DSP News Release: Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Drug and Weapons Charges

Location:  United Refrigeration, 200 Sears Boulevard, Newport, DE

Date of Occurrence: Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 8:20 p.m.

Defendant:  Francis M.J. Durham, 21, Wilmington, DE

Charges:

-Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana

-Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances

-Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon

-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)

Resume:  

Newport- A 21 year old Wilmington man has been arrested after being found to be in possession of marijuana and a large knife in Newport yesterday evening.

The incident began as a Delaware State Trooper on routine patrol was in the area of First State Boulevard and W. Newport Pike when he observed a gray Chevrolet Camaro pass his patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed. The trooper followed the Camaro which turned onto First State Boulevard and then proceeded to Sears Boulevard. The vehicle then pulled into the parking lot of United Refrigeration located in the 200 block of Sears Boulevard, and parked.

Troopers made contact with the operator of the vehicle, later identified as Francis M. Durham Jr., 21, who advised that he was a security guard working at the business. While speaking to Durham troopers detected the strong odor of what appeared to be marijuana coming from inside of the car. The defendant admitted to having just smoked marijuana and was then removed from his vehicle and taken into custody. A subsequent search of the Camaro yielded a plastic bag containing approximately 23 grams of marijuana located inside of a draw string bag that was found under the driver’s seat. The bag also contained a digital scale and a box of clear plastic sandwich bags which are commonly used to package marijuana for sale. Troopers also located a large knife hidden under the driver’s seat.

Francis Durham was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and released on $11,000.00 unsecured bail.

 Francis M. Durham, Jr.

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Released Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.