BUST NETS PORN, DRUGS, WEAPONS

AMidwest City businessman, who apparently planned to spend a long weekend
on his houseboat moored at Lake Murray, is behind bars instead, facing
pending child pornography, drugs and weapons charges.

Philip Lyon, 56, was arrested by park rangers and District Attorney Task
Force agents Thursday afternoon when he attempted to board his $55,000-plus
boat at the lake's marina. Lyon was taken into custody without incident. He
was transported to the county jail where he was booked pending the filing
of formal charges.

Chief Park Ranger Jon Nelson said an investigation into Lyon's activities
began a week ago when he reported his houseboat had been burglarized. He
named two teen-age boys, who were later identified as victims of Lyon's
illicit activities, as potential suspects in the burglary.

"Ranger Jody Cornelison took the report. During the course of the
interview, Ranger Cornelison developed information that indicated there may
have been child pornography, narcotics and weapons on board the vessel,"
Nelson said. "At that time, we contacted the DATF."

Nelson said subsequent interviews with the pair of 16-year-old suspects
turned victims confirmed suspicions Lyon was engaged in child pornography,
narcotics and illicit weapons activities.

"We sought and obtained a search warrant which was executed Wednesday,"
Nelson said. "Items, some of which have already been verified as child
pornography, were seized.

"We also found a variety of narcotics which we believe to be cocaine,
methamphetamine, marijuana and magic mushrooms and guns."

Nelson said Lyons was allegedly using the drugs as a means of enticing his
victims to do what he wanted.

Investigators Thursday said that Lyons was also in possession of two
Oklahoma County Sheriff's deputy badges, as well as symbols attached to his
car that indicated he was a law enforcement officer.

"He had credentials on his person indicating he was an Oklahoma County
deputy, He also had told the victims he was a deputy," DATF Agent Gary
Watson said.

Lyon's boat and his vehicle were seized as a result of the investigation.
Also seized were thousands of dollars in cash, including a $10,000 bank
roll found stashed with drug paraphernalia in his car.

Nelson praised the joint investigation that led to Lyon's arrest.

"This is a textbook example of how law enforcement agencies should work
together," he said, adding members of the Ardmore Police Department
Narcotics Division and Ratliff City Police Department aided in serving
Wednesday's search warrant.

The investigation into Lyon, who is identified as the co-owner of Midwest
Auto Auction, is continuing.

"It is a shame that from time to time we have to deal with people like
this," Nelson said. "But rest assured the rangers are doing everything in
our power to weed these types of individuals out and keep the park safe and
secure."

What the local investigation uncovers may be only part of Lyon's troubles.
Officers said Oklahoma City police may also launch an investigation into
Lyon's activities in the metro area.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department has told The Daily
Ardmoreite it is checking to see how Lyon acquired the deputy badges he was
using to target victims.

Marsha Miller can be contacted at marsham@ardmoreite.com or by calling
(580) 221-6529.