Puerto Rico lawmaker Resigns after Testing Positive for Cocaine

• Puerto Rico unemployment rises to 15.7 pct [MORE] 

From [HERE] SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A member of the Puerto Rican House of Representatives resigned his seat Sunday, two days after officials disclosed that a drug test showed he had used cocaine.

 Rep. Rolando Crespo, a member of the party that favors U.S. statehood for the Caribbean island territory, read a brief statement to reporters in which he denied any dependence on drugs.

"I went through an isolated incident and I have paid for it," he said without taking further questions.

Crespo, a 35-year-old who represents the northern coastal town of Aguadilla, stepped down as House Majority Whip on Friday following disclosure of the drug test, which had been ordered for all members of the island's lower house by the Speaker Jennifer Gonzalez.

Gov. Luis Fortuno, also from the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, welcomed the resignation. "He should seek the help he needs to take back his life," he said. Crespo was first elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. He was president of the powerful Rules and Calendar Committee.