Criminal Defense News

Department of Conservation Officers Charge New Jersey Man with Selling Wildlife Parts

Undercover wildlife conservation lawmen bagged an Atlantic County man on charges of peddling more than 200 white-tailed deer antlers including several trophy-class sets, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson announced.

Folsom Borough resident Melvin Kemmerer, 63, who stood to pocket about $1,000 for the antler collection, now faces three to five years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines for the illegal sale, transfer and possession of wildlife parts.

"There should be no doubt that we are serious about stopping crime against New Jersey's wildlife," Commissioner Jackson said. "Our Conservation Officers are out on the beat, and the public is helping us catch those who have no regard for our wildlife resources and the laws that protect them."

Kemmerer's arrest culminated a two-month investigation by Conservation Officers with the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife and agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Acting on a tip that Kemmerer was soliciting buyers for his antlers, a law enforcement officer contacted the suspect by telephone and arranged to purchase the deer parts. Lawmen allege Kemmerer agreed to sell the antlers for $10 a pound.

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	Did You Know?
	Miranda rule and Miranda rights are important The rule, pronounced in Miranda v. Arizona, that confessions are inadmissible in a criminal prosecution if the police do not advise the suspect in custody of certain rights before questioning. The rights include: a. The right to remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions; b. The right to know that anything the suspect says can and will be used against the suspect in a court of law; c. The right to consult with an attorney and to have an attorney present during questioning; d. The right to have counsel appointed at public expense, prior to any questioning if the suspect cannot afford counsel.