Salem Man Arrested on Sex Abuse and Drug Charges

In the home detectives found less than a gram of methamphetamine and .25 lb of marijuana.

Russell Lee Watson Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore. ) - On Wednesday, Marion County Street Crimes Unit, assisted by detectives and Marion County Parole and Probation Deputies, went to the home of 39-year-old Russell Lee Watson at 4717 Adobe St SE to investigate possible drug activity.

Watson was at home and allowed the Deputies to search the home.

In the home detectives found less than a gram of methamphetamine and .25 lb of marijuana.

As they investigated they discovered that Russell had a 17-year-old girl living at the home with him to whom he had been proving controlled substances and alcohol and with whom he had engaged in sexual contact.

Detectives found that Watson has a medical marijuana card allowing him to possess certain amounts of marijuana for medical purposes.

While the amount of marijuana found was well within legal limits to possess for a card holder, they discovered that Watson had been selling marijuana to others in violation of Oregon's medical marijuana and controlled substance laws.

Watson was arrested and charged with Delivery of Marijuana to a Minor, Possession of Methamphetamine, Felon in Possession of a Firearm (a shotgun), 3rd Degree Sex Abuse, Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor and 2nd Degree Encouraging Child Sex Abuse.