Politics & Government
Watson Pleads No Contest To Marijuana Possession Charge
When asked if he would run for re-election, Watson said, "I'm going to consider all options."
East Greenwich Rep. Bob Watson (R-Dist. 30) pleaded no contest to a charge of marijuana possession stemming from an incident , in South Kingstown, when police found him with a baggie of marijuana and a pipe in a parking lot on Tower Hill Road.
Watson entered a residential rehabilitation program in Massachusetts two days later, then transferred to a treatment facility in Florida. He was to have been arraigned Feb. 1. On that day, however, his lawyer, Timothy Williamson, told District Court Judge Mary McCaffrey only that he was in treatment for substance abuse.
For the marijuana offense, McCaffrey fined Watson $200 and told him the court record will be filed for one year, during which time if he were to be charged with any other offense he could face increased punishment.
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"You understand if you enter a plea of nolo contendere today that you will be admitting that sufficient facts exist to substantiate the charge of possession of marijuana on January 21, 2012, in the town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island?"
"I do," Watson replied.
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She also asked, "Are you today under the influence of alcohol or drugs?"
"No," he said, smiling slightly.
If Watson avoids arrest for one year, he will be eligible to have the charge stricken from his record, McCaffery said.
According to the South Kingstown Prosecutor Terrence Simpson, the sentence is "a standard disposition for a first offense."
Leaving the courthouse, Watson was asked if he planned to run for re-election.
"I'm going to consider all options," he said.
About his treatment, Watson said he was feeling good. "I was able to benefit from recovery treatment. I have a renewed appreciation for the whole recovery process and the fine men and women that involve themselves in that field," he said.
According to the Jan. 21 police report, . According to the Providence Journal on Feb. 17, the arresting officer is being disciplined for the Watson arrest procedure.
Watson still faces , last April. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
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