Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Numerous Poaching Convictions in Tennessee and Kentucky

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. - A coordinated investigation by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has resulted in multiple convictions for illegal hunting activities spanning both states. Violations included possession of Class I wildlife without a permit, hunting in a closed season, spotlighting, hunting without a license, hunting from a public road, and tagging violations. Officers also seized multiple firearms, bows, a False Water Cobra, and two American alligators.

On December 26, 2024, shortly after 12:30 a.m., Jefferson County Dispatch alerted TWRA Wildlife Officer Justin Pinkston to a possible road-hunting incident near Douglas Dam Road. A Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy located the involved vehicle and initiated a traffic stop until Officer Pinkston arrived.

The vehicle was occupied by Marcus Duignan, 19, and Malina Allen, 22, both of Strawberry Plains, along with a juvenile male. Officer Pinkston determined during the investigation that the group had illegally shot two white-tailed deer from the roadway in the Douglas Dam area. Officers also discovered a five-point buck head in the truck bed, taken earlier that morning around 3 a.m. on Christmas Day.

During a consensual search of a mobile phone, Officer Pinkston located extensive photo and video evidence depicting additional wildlife violations, including:

• Images showing a revoked hunter participating in the taking of wildlife,
• Videos of spotlighting and the unlawful killing of two elk and four deer, later determined to have occurred in Kentucky,
• Photographs showing American alligators in the group's possession, and
• Images of illegally possessed venomous snakes.

As evidence indicated offenses occurring outside of Jefferson County, Officer Pinkston coordinated with District 41 Sgt. Anthony Chitwood and Knox County Wildlife Officer Colby Griffin. The investigation also uncovered evidence of other codefendants, including Tanner Smelcer, 25, and Jessica Bostrom, 25, both of Knoxville. Officers filed wildlife charges in Blount, Claiborne, Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier counties, resulting in a total of 142 charges in Tennessee alone. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Officer Dylan Fields handled related offenses in Kentucky, charging Smelcer and the juvenile with 18 additional violations each. Potential charges in other states are pending.

Tennessee Dispositions:

• Tanner Smelcer - $8,158.75 in fines and restitution; hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges revoked for ten years; unsupervised probation in multiple counties; must retake hunter education class

• Marcus Duignan - $1,388 in fines and court costs; hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges revoked for two years
• Malina Allen - $1,259 in fines and court costs; hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges revoked for one year; unsupervised probation

• Jessica Bostrom - $1,000 restitution; additional fines and court costs; hunting privileges revoked for one year

• Juvenile - $3,350 in fines; hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges revoked for two years; must retake hunter education class

Kentucky Dispositions:

• Tanner Smelcer - Pled guilty to five charges; $5,000 in fines plus court costs; $4,804.27 in restitution; hunting privileges suspended for three years

• Juvenile - (disposition not publicly released due to age)

Jefferson County Wildlife Officer Justin Pinkston said, "I am very thankful to everyone who assisted with this case. Thank you to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement, the Tennessee 4th, 5th, and 8th Judicial Districts, Officer Colby Griffin, and all the officers in Region 4 who contributed to this effort. Poachers are thieves who steal from the sportsmen and women of Tennessee, and we are very thankful to have been able to uncover all of these violations."

TWRA reminds the public that spotlighting, road hunting, and the unlawful taking or possession of wildlife are serious offenses carrying significant penalties. Citizen reports play a vital role in protecting Tennessee's natural resources. To report wildlife violations, contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or call the Poaching Hotline at 1-800-831-1174.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency protects, manages, and conserves fish and wildlife for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors, and maintains public safety through law enforcement and boating and hunter education.

---TWRA---