Alva Review-Courier -

Registered sex offenders are not allowed in state parks. Apparently that was news to a man visiting the Great Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa County.

According to court documents, on Saturday, May 20, Park Ranger Ryan Webster was on patrol in the South Spillway area when he saw two men fishing. He spoke with them and checked their fishing licenses. While doing a public records check, Webster learned that one of the men, Michael David Owens, is a registered sex offender with a status of active and aggravated and a requirement to register for his lifetime.

Game Warden Ben Bickerstaff assisted as Webster spoke with Owens about the information. Webster placed Owens in handcuffs and walked him to his patrol truck. Owens admitted he was a registered sex offender. He said, “I didn’t know I couldn’t go fishing.” Webster explained it was illegal for him to be within a state park.

While walking to the truck, Owens said, “I have some marijuana.” Webster read Owens his Miranda rights and spoke with him further. He conducted a search of Owens and found a baggie in his right front jeans pocket that contained a green leafy substance with the distinct odor of marijuana.

Owens told Webster, “I just got out of prison. I’m going back because of this.” According to Webster’s statement, Owens repeatedly pleaded with him to throw the marijuana away.

On June 5 Michael David Owens, 42, of Enid was charged with a felony for violating the safety zones around elementary and junior high schools, child care facilities and playgrounds. This crime is punishable by a fine of $2,500 and up to a year in the county jail.

Owens was also charged with a misdemeanor of possession of controlled dangerous substance. This crime is punishable by imprisonment up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000.