A lewd and rude joke ended with serious felony charges for a Seminole man.

According to felony information filed in the District Court of Seminole County, Eric Shane Powell, 51, has been charged with: one felony count of endeavoring/ conspiracy to deliver/manufacture/possess controlled dangerous substance; one felony count of cultivation of controlled substance; one felony count of possession of firearm after former felony conviction; and one misdemeanor count of acts resulting in gross injury/outraging public decency.

The probable cause affidavit filed in this case states that on Monday, August 16 Seminole Police Officer Ricky S. Amos received a call at approximately 12:30 p.m. to assist Seminole State College Chief of Police Shane Marshall at a local convenience store concerning a male subject who had allegedly committed a lewd act while sitting in the parking lot of the Tanner Hall building at the college.

When Amos arrived at the location Marshall explained he had received a report from a 17-year-old female student that alleged Powell had touched himself while sitting in his vehicle in clear view of the student. Marshall stated video surveillance filmed at approximately 10:49 a.m. appeared to confirm the lewd act being performed by Powell while parked next to the student.

Officer Amos and Chief Marshall observed Powell inside the convenience store and asked to speak with him outside. They explained the serious complaint and also informed Powell he had outstanding Seminole County warrants as he was being handcuffed and placed in Officer Amos’ patrol vehicle.

Seminole Policer Officer Logan Grey determined the vehicle Powell was driving needed to be impounded because it was parked near the gas pumps of the store. While inventorying the vehicle prior to impound 24 marijuana plants were allegedly found, as well as drug paraphernalia and ammunition, although no firearm was located. Parts belonging to an AR 15 rifle were also allegedly found in the vehicle, although they did not include the frame.

When Powell asked what he was being arrested for the officers explained he had outstanding warrants and the serious allegation of lewd acts reported at the college. Powell explained that he had not actually exposed himself at the college but was using fake genitalia. When asked where it was located, he stated it was in his underwear.

Powell was removed from the vehicle and escorted to the west side of the parking lot away from public view, and the fake body part was removed from his underwear. Powell was placed back in the patrol vehicle and Officer Grey read him his Miranda Warning. Powell informed Grey of more marijuana plants that were located in his motel room, the affidavit states.

After transporting Powell to the Seminole Jail, Officer Amos went to Seminole State College to review the security surveillance with Chief Marshall, and he confirms in the report that it appeared as if Powell was actually touching himself in view of the young student.

At approximately 2:26 p.m. Officer Amos arrived at the motel room Powell had stated marijuana plants were located and observed DA Investigator Adam Good and Detective Chris Ayers executing a search warrant. The affidavit states after the warrant was completed Amos was informed 25 marijuana plants were found. Investigator Good also told the officer an instrument used to manufacture marijuana concentrate was found as well.

At approximately 6:28 p.m. Officer Amos, Investigator Good and Detective Ayers interviewed Powell. The affidavit states he was informed of his rights, and Powell stated he understood them. He explained he had asked the student her name and phone number, but she wasn’t interested. He had waved the fake body part around only as a joke.

Bond was set at $30,000, according to court minutes filed in this case.