Authorities in Maryland charged an Annapolis man charged with 64 explosives-related criminal counts after searching his house during an investigation of illegal deer hunting.
The authorities initially looked into Lee Scott Wygal Ralston, 37, over allegations that he was illegally hunting deer at night and incidents including a residence being struck by gunfire. The Maryland Natural Resources Police searched his home Tuesday and found suspected explosives and materials to make them, the agency posted on Facebook.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department then went to Mr. Ralston’s residence to aid the search. Officials said that in addition to the suspected explosives of varying sizes and components for making more explosives, investigators found other weapons, ammunition and suppressors.
Mr. Ralston faces 32 counts each of manufacturing a destructive device and possessing a destructive device, the fire department said.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police said they suspect the weapons were used for illegally hunting deer in February and March. Hunting-related charges against Mr. Ralston are pending as the investigation continues.
Mr. Ralston is being held without bound and is due in court on May 13 for a preliminary hearing, according to court records.
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