Sex Offender Running Children's Ride At Chelsea Carnival Arrested

Deputies made an arrest at a small-town carnival of a convicted sex offender who was running a kiddie ride. They said the man's registration was out of date.

The deputy said he knew the sex offender wasn't up to date on his registration and that he was afraid some folks might not take too kindly to a sex offender working around children.

It’s the 83rd year for the Chelsea carnival - a small town, family event where people can play games, ride rides, listen to music and visit with their neighbors.

"Hometown, country, people just living life and enjoying it," said Captain Virgil Carter with the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office.

Carter is from Chelsea and likes to support the carnival. He also keeps an eye on the games to make sure they're honest and was walking by the rides when he saw Billy Lowther, a convicted sex offender.

"He's operating a ride called The Turtle. Looks like children six and down are riding this ride," Carter said.

Carter shot video of Lowther running the controls then called to check if Lowther's registration was up to date and he was told it was not, so he made the arrest.

Lowther was convicted in a 2006 rape case for having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He was 34 at the time. He went to prison and is now a level-three offender, required to register for life.

Carter said Lowther denied doing anything wrong.

"Am I in trouble? I'm doing everything right. I don't use anymore. I’m taking care of business," Carter said.

The captain said he's glad he just happened to be at the carnival and recognized something wasn't right.

"It was a bad day for him and a good day for the citizens of Chelsea," Carter said.

The sheriff's office said they want to send a message to sex offenders in their county. They want to know where they are and that they are watching.