OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A woman could face jail time under a rarely enforced 1915 law that makes it illegal to charge a fee for fortunetelling in Oklahoma.
Sonia Lisa Marks, 52, was arrested in August after undercover authorities paid her for various types of psychic readings in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoman (https://bit.ly/2m2LbfF ) reported. She was charged with fortunetelling for a fee and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Marks is currently free on bond. If convicted of the more serious charge, she could face up to two years in prison and be fined up to $500.
“They want to turn this into some criminal act, which to me is just a joke,” said her defense attorney, Scott Adams. “I wish someone could explain to me what is so horrible about someone reportedly being able to tell you what your future is.”
Records show that Marks left Ohio after being charged with theft offenses in 1994, accused of scheming about a dozen fortunetelling clients. She was arrested in Oklahoma City in 2014 and extradited back to Ohio, where she pleaded guilty to six counts of theft. Oklahoma authorities said she was ordered to pay $187,000 in restitution.
Adams said Mark’s case is selective prosecution. He said he believes she is being targeted.
Stephen Dillard-Carroll, an Oklahoma City psychic and owner of The Traveling Tarot, said he does card readings part-time in the evenings and weekends. In business for nine years, he charges $50 for an hour-long session and $25 for any overtime.
“There’s a reason why this particular law is not really enforced,” he said. “By and large the psychic business is a reputable business.”
Oklahoma County First Assistant District Attorney Scott Rowland said that while fortunetelling is “not prioritized over more serious crimes,” it’s still illegal.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, https://www.newsok.com
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