Missouri Rep. Jeremy LaFaver Arrested for Marijuana Possession

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A lawmaker who tried to lower Missouri's penalties for marijuana possession has been arrested for allegedly possessing the drug.

Rep. Jeremy LaFaver, a Democrat from Kansas City, issued an apology after being arrested Sunday in Boone County for possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says he was stopped for failing to respond to a charge in Moniteau County of driving with an expired license tag and without insurance.

LaFaver issued a statement saying he made "a serious mistake" and will accept the consequences. He stressed he was not under the influence while he was driving.

LaFaver sponsored an unsuccessful bill this year that would have lowered penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.