Robert Watson, a Rhode Island legislator who recently slammed colleagues by invoking images of pot-smoking illegals, has been busted for alleged marijuana possession .
Watson, the Republican House Minority Leader was arrested in East Haven, Conn., at a police checkpoint and was also charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance.
"Trace evidence of marijuana was discovered and I was charged with operating under the influence, a charge I vehemently deny," Watson told the Providence Journal.
The 50-year-old smelled like alcohol and pot, he slurred his words, and his eyes "were extremely glassy and bloodshot," according to the police report. Authorities found a "small plastic sandwich bag containing a green leafy plantlike substance and a small wooden marijuana pipe."His blood-alcohol level was 0.05%, which is below the state's 0.08 limit.
Watson created a firestorm in February when he gave a speech to the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.
During it, he criticized the state General Assembly by declaring, "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."
Watson was released on a $500 bond and faces a May 11 court date.
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