NEW VINEYARD – A convicted felon living in New Vineyard was arrested last week on a charge of possessing a cache of firearms including rifles and handguns.

Following up on a complaint from a resident, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Detective David St. Laurent and Deputy David Radcliffe found William McNeill, 48, with assorted firearms, which is forbidden for someone who has been convicted of a felony.

“It’s to protect the citizens of Maine,” said St. Laurent about the state’s law regarding firearm possession by felons.

The detective said McNeill was convicted of felony burglary and theft in 1979 in Union County, N.C., and served two years in prison.

After the cache was discovered, McNeill was arrested and taken to the Franklin County Detention Center. He was released on $500 cash bail.

If convicted of the Class C felony, he could face up to five years in prison.

St. Laurent asked anyone with information on people who have firearms in their possession illegally to contact their local police department or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at 778-2680.

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