By Fox23.com News Staff
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — The Sand Springs Police Department arrested a pastor accused of sexual battery following a months-long investigation into reports of his suspicious interactions with a child.
Police said on November 11, 2025, officers received a DHS referral reporting inappropriate behavior with an adult and a child. Police said the reports did not note anything criminal, just suspicious interactions.
On Nov. 25, the suspect, 42-year-old Marcus Owens, was interviewed by police and denied any relationship with the juvenile, stating he was like a father figure to the victim.
On July 14, 2026, the victim came forward to police, reporting sexual assault by Owens.
The suspect was interviewed again on Monday. Police developed probable cause to arrest Owens for one count of sexual battery due to the information gathered over several months. Owens is a tribal citizen, so his case will be forwarded to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the FBI to determine jurisdiction for his prosecution.
Owens has worked in various roles in the school district, including as a teacher’s assistant, paraprofessional and substitute teacher.
Police said Owens has also been heavily involved in his church for many years, including as a pastor.
