A Leesburg man was arrested after being caught trespassing at a park with meth and a glass pipe in his possession.
An officer was conducting a security check at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 200 Orange Ave., around 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. It was already dark out, and the park hours were from dawn to dusk.
Upon arrival, the officer made contact with 20-year-old Charles Edward Conklin at the transient campsite next to the lake. The officer witnessed Conklin helping two other people in the park. He knew Conklin from prior contact, and he confirmed his identity using a law enforcement database, the report said.
A check of Conklin’s information showed he was previously trespassed from the property on May 28. He was arrested at the park for trespass after warning on Sept. 9 and 21. Due to this, the officer placed him under arrest and brought him to the front of his patrol car to be searched, the report said.
During this process, the officer pulled out a black HOHM Tech Pouch from Conklin’s waistband. Inside was a clear container with a white crystalline substance. This later tested positive for methamphetamine, the report said.
The officer also found a clear pipe with burn marks on both ends and black residue inside of a black cross-body bag. The pipe contained burnt steel wool, as well, the report said.
Conklin was ultimately charged with drug paraphernalia (possess or use) and trespass after warning. He was transported to Lake County Jail with bond set at $3,000.