Watson ousted as House Minority Leader

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rep. Robert Watson was ousted as House Minority Leader during a Republican caucus on Monday in a 6 to 2 vote.

The move comes as an abrupt change from last Tuesday, when the Republican caucus unanimously voted to keep Rep. Watson in his current position.

"We had not a chance to talk about it with one another, to digest it, to really take in the the situation. We had a week to do that - we were able to talk to each other about it, see how we felt and the majority of us have had a change in heart," said Brian Newberry.

House Minority Whip Brian C. Newberry has been named as the new House Minority Leader. Rep. Joseph A. Trillo has been named the new House Minority Whip.

Rep. Watson was arrested April 22, after being stopped at a sobriety checkpoint in East Haven, Conn.

He was charged with drug possession and driving under the influence .

Watson told Eyewitness News Reporter Alex Diprato that, "He was happy to serve and doesn't believe his ability was affected after his arrest."

According to a police report , Rep. Watson was charged with operation while under the influence; possession of drug paraphernalia, a wood marijuana pipe; and possession of a controlled substance, less than four ounces of marijuana.

Rep. Watson has insisted from the beginning that he was a safe and sober driver.

"While confident I was a safe and sober operator, trace evidence of marijuana was discovered and I was charged with operating under the influence, a charge I vehemently deny," Watson said in his statement.

• Click here to watch an Eyewitness News in-depth interview with Watson about the comments.