Rhode Island Republican Leader In Trouble Over Marijuana Charge

Rhode Island Republican House Minority Leader, Representative Robert Watson

A top Republican in the Rhode Island House was arrested last month in Connecticut on charges of drunk driving and marijuana possession.  It cost him his position in the House. Rep. Robert Watson was voted out of his position as the minority leader earlier this month. Connecticut police arrested Watson at a police checkpoint in East Haven on April 22nd. Officers at the scene noted he smelled like alcohol and marijuana. He did not pass a field sobriety test, and while he was being detained, a police officer found a bag of cannabis and a wooden pipe in his pocket.

Watson has been in the news lately, notably refusing to apologize for inflammatory remarks he made at a local Providence Chamber of Commerce luncheon in February “I suppose if you’re a gay man from Guatemala who gambles and smokes pot, you probably think that we’re onto some good ideas here.”

Since being ousted from his minority leadership position, Watson has said that he plans to keep his house seat. Fellow Republican Rep. Joseph Trillo said that he did not anticipate any further sanctions for Rep. Watson, who has served as the minority leader since 1998, and has served in the House since 1992. Watson said last week that he does use marijuana to treat recurring pain from a severe bout of pancreatitis for which he was hospitalized last fall. He said that he never sought a marijuana recommendation from his state because he wanted to keep his use private.

The late-coming admission persuaded just two of  his fellow House Republicans (there are 10) to side with him in yesterday’s vote of no confidence. The new minority house leader in Rhode Island, Rep Brian Newberry who was voted into the leadership position Watson left vacant, told media, “He had illegal drugs on him in Connecticut. You can’t get around that, When our own leader gets involved in that — that reflects badly on us all.” The arrest happened on the 22nd, but no one found out about it until four days later, and a hastily called vote was unanimous to retain him as a leader. However, as time has passed, more information has surfaced about the arrest, including Watson’s admission that he had had several drinks at the time, and his fellow lawmakers have changed their minds.

Watson said police targeted him, adopting a more aggressive attitude once they saw a legislative ID in his wallet. East Haven police called that claim “ridiculous.” Rep. Watson was released on $500 bond and appeared in a Connecticut court room on May 10th to face the charges of driving under the influence and marijuana possession. He did not enter a plea, and his arraignment is continued to June 7th.