TREATMENT ORDERED FOR FORMER SENATOR

Thomas R. Coderre Admits Having A Cocaine Problem And Issues An Apology.

PROVIDENCE -- Former state Sen. Thomas R. Coderre, arrested six weeks ago
for cocaine possession, has acknowledged having a drug problem and
apologized for bringing "shame" on his family and friends.

Coderre, son of state Rep. Elaine A. Coderre, made the statements in a news
release issued on his behalf on Monday, after he appeared before Chief
District Court Judge Albert E. DeRobbio and was ordered to undergo
treatment at Butler Hospital.

"Today is a new beginning for me," Coderre said. "Chief Judge DeRobbio has
given me an opportunity to put my life back together, and I am embracing
it. I have brought shame to my family and friends, and many associations
and institutions which I care about greatly. For that, I am truly sorry."

Once a rising star in state politics, Coderre, 33, failed to follow through
on a promise to seek reelection in a neighboring district last year after
redistricting and the downsizing of the General Assembly eliminated his
seat in the state Senate.

In April, he was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine after he
was spotted in a Pawtucket neighborhood notorious for drug activity and was
stopped by Pawtucket police.

Released on bail, Coderre was ordered to undergo treatment for cocaine
addiction. But he missed two appointments, one on May 7, the other on May
8, as an outpatient in the addiction treatment unit of Roger Williams
Medical Center, and he failed to check in with his supervisor in the
pretrial services unit in the Garrahy Judicial Center.

On May 14, Coderre was arrested again on a warrant issued by Judge
DeRobbio, who ordered him held at the Adult Correctional Institutions until
space became available in a drug-treatment program he wouldn't be free to
leave.

Bill Fischer, who issued the Monday statement on Coderre's behalf, said
Coderre was released from the ACI on May 21 and placed in a local
substance-abuse facility, where he successfully completed the first phase
of his treatment.

Fischer, a former campaign aide to Sheldon Whitehouse III, declined to say
where Coderre is undergoing the second phase of treatment, but Coderre's
court file specifies Butler Hospital and an official knowledgeable about
drug-treatment programs said that is generally where people with drug
problems are sent for psychiatric counseling after undergoing drug
detoxification.

"I have a problem for which I am seeking help," Coderre said in the written
statement. "As I enter my next phase of treatment, I ask for patience and
understanding for both me and my family. With the love and support of my
family, I am determined to beat this."