We have learned via the Ogle Mole Network that KOCO Channel 5 storm chaser Lawrence McEwen (pictured above) has been charged with four counts of lewd molestation / indecent proposal to a child. Each count can carry a prison sentence of 3 - 20 years.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Cleveland County, McEwen allegedly molested a 15-year-old boy while claiming to inspect the victim for a hernia. He also forced the same boy to use a sex toy on himself for "research" purposes.
The same affidavit claims McEwen later admitted to some of his crimes in a letter on a flash drive that was sent to the victim and the victim's mother. The state also obtained an audio recording from one of McEwen's former friends – videographer and stormchaser Richard Rowe.
In the recording, McEwen admits to destroying evidence and sending the letter to the victim and victim's mother. He also admits he checked the boy for a hernia.
Rowe recently left this strongly worded Facebook message about this former friend:
We at The Lost Ogle agree 100%. You do not mess with children ever. Our thoughts go out to the victim and victim's family.
McEwen, who goes by the name Lynch Wizer on Facebook, has been a well-known KOCO First Alert Storm chaser since at least 2016. He has provided multiple live shots of tornadoes over the years. I'm not sure if his ties to the channel have been formally served or not, but his official KOCO Facebook page has been deactivated.
