Only On 3: Man Accused Of Growing Pot & Raping Girlfriend Defends Himself

CATHEDRAL CITY -Raymond Bowen spoke to News Channel 3 after posting $50,000 bail. He faces accusations that he sexually assaulted his former girlfriend, and that he was growing marijuana plants inside his apartment.

“They had known whatI was doing inside, and she had already explained to them from the way they were questioning me,” Bowen said.

Officers seized more than 40 pot plants.

Bowen doesn’t know if he’ll face drug-related charges in the future.

“They haven’t said anything yet,” he said.”I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to or if they do, but what canI say about it. I’m guilty.”

He says he was applying for a medical marijuana card, and that the pot is only for himself.

“I fell out of a palm tree 35 feet about 8 years ago, and ever since thenI had my bottom lip ripped off, all my teeth knocked out, and my back is pretty much jacked up.”

While Bowen admits to growing the marijuana, he says he never sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend. And says the evidence will show that.

“There were no marks on her, no marks on me. They took pictures she didn’t have any medical assistance provided to her because nothing happened.”

The Riverside County District Attorney’s office will review the case before charges are filed.

Police say the marijuana investigation continues.