An investigation into possible drug activity led to the arrest of a 39-year old Salem man Wednesday after detectives found reason to believe a young girl living with him engaged in sexual activity with the suspect after he gave her drugs and alcohol, authorities reported.
Marion County Street Crimes Unit members, assisted by detectives and parole & probation deputies went to the home of Russell Lee Watson at 4717 Adobe St. SE in Salem on July 25. Watson voluntarily allowed the detectives to search the home, according to a news release.
Russell Lee Watson - MCSO photo
Detectives found less than one gram of methamphetamine and ΒΌ pound of marijuana, prompting a further investigation that revealed the alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl who was provided controlled substances and alcohol.
Watson has a medical marijuana card that allows him to possess the amount of pot found at his home, but detectives believe Watson was also selling the drug to other persons.
Watson was taken into custody and lodged in the Marion County Jail, the news release stated. He is charged with delivery of marijuana to a minor, possession of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm (a shotgun), third-degree sex abuse, contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor and second-degree encouraging child sex abuse.