DNREC Arrests Smyrna Man on Firearms and Deer Poaching Charges

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police say they have arrested a Smyrna man on multiple felony firearms charges and deer poaching following an investigation into illegal deer hunting.

65-year-old Melvin J. Durand was charged with 19 counts of possession, purchase, ownership or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited for prior violent crime or felony; one count of possession, purchase, ownership or control of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited for prior violent crime or felony; and one count of possession or transportation of an unlawfully taken antlerless deer. Durand was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 11, where he was released on an unsecured bond pending a future court appearance in the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas.

While searching Durand’s residence authorities recovered 18 firearms, ammunition and a compound bow.