High-ranking RI lawmaker faces Conn. drug charge

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A high-ranking Rhode Island lawmaker who criticized the Legislature by invoking the image of pot-smoking immigrants is facing drug charges in Connecticut.

Police in East Haven, Conn., say East Greenwich Republican Robert Watson, the House Minority Leader, was stopped at a police checkpoint Friday and charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.

Police say there was a “strong odor of marijuana” from Watson’s car. He was released on a promise to appear in court.

When reached on his cellphone today, Watson said he’s planning a statement later in the day then hung up.

Watson drew fire in February when he said the state Legislature had its priorities right “if you are a Guatemalan gay man who likes to gamble and smokes marijuana.”