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Feds Recover 90 Dogs from Shocking Indiana Dog Fighting Ring

Federal authorities recently uncovered a disturbing animal fighting and illegal gambling ring operating in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana according to reporting by USA Today. The raid, which took place last week, resulted in the rescue of approximately 90 dogs, including innocent puppies, from locations scattered across central Indiana. This deeply disturbing case has led to the indictment of 21 individuals on a range of charges, including dog fighting, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, money laundering, and illegal firearm possession.

Source: FOX59 News/YouTube

The operation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has exposed a network of criminals associated with a neighborhood-based gang in Indianapolis. The investigation initially began as an interstate drug smuggling probe, eventually unveiling the shocking world of animal cruelty and illegal gambling.

According to newly unsealed court documents, law enforcement officials confiscated four phones during the investigation. These phones played a pivotal role in linking several of the accused to the dog fighting ring. As a result of the evidence gathered, the charges against the accused extend beyond dog fighting to encompass a web of criminal activities that have plagued the community.

Last week’s raid resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals, while two fugitives remain at large. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Deputy Chief, Kendale Adams, emphasized that these crimes affect the communities where they occur. “Today, they are a little safer,” he said, acknowledging the importance of dismantling such operations.

The investigation has also revealed the extensive reach of the criminal enterprise. Bookkeeping documents uncovered during the raids indicate that the operation spanned numerous state lines. A ledger was discovered with states listed as pick-up and drop-off sites for dogs, stretching as far as New York, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Indiana featured prominently in the ledger, indicating the extent of the operation’s presence in the state.

The roots of this operation trace back to a 2022 arrest in Madison, Mississippi, where a 57-year-old man was found transporting 11 pit bulls in a van during a traffic stop. Animal control officers noticed wounds and scars on two of the dogs consistent with dog fighting. This discovery led to the investigation of the man’s larger-scale business, known as “Roll and Hold Pet Express,” in Indianapolis. The man’s cellphone contained disturbing evidence, including photos of injured dogs, videos of dog fights, fliers for fighting shows, and a PDF document outlining dogfighting rules.

Law enforcement officials have identified various individuals involved in the dog fighting operation, including those who maintained the dogs for fighting, referees, sponsors who provided venues, and handlers who motivated the dogs to fight. Shockingly, some of these individuals have a long history of involvement in dog fighting, with past convictions for animal torture and promoting dog fighting.

In one gruesome instance, two dog ears were found on a table in a backyard, a practice known as ear cropping, commonly associated with dog fighting to prevent opponents from biting the ears during fights.

As of now, the rescued dogs, including puppies, are being held in an undisclosed location for behavioral analysis to determine their adoptability. Unfortunately, in similar cases, fighting dogs that were seized were euthanized.

Of the 21 individuals implicated in this case, two remain on the run: Gregory Henderson Jr. and Maurice Ervin. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. Charges related to animal fighting conspiracy carry a prison sentence of up to five years, while those related to drug trafficking conspiracy could result in a life sentence.

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