IL: 64 Pit Bulls Seized In Major Dog Fighting Raid in IL

April 22, 2016

Sixty-four pit bulls were confiscated in a massive sting operation, with simultaneous raids in Rock Island and Davenport, Illinois. According to Rock Island Police, 11 federal search warrants were served in both cities, beginning at 6 a.m. on April 14, in an ongoing inquisition.

Besides the pit bulls, many of whom were adults covered in scars, as well as puppies, authorities confiscated narcotics and a firearm.

Federal prosecutors are now seeking custody of the dogs, as the dogs were used as gambling tools and can be seized because of it.

Feds assert that in the Rock Island and Davenport homes, training, fighting, gambling on fighting, and killing of dogs occurred, the Quad City Times reported.

In a 15-page civil forfeiture complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court, Rock Island, prosecutors said that the dogs were used as gambling tools, and were transported from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Mississippi.

They also say several of those listed participated in dog fights and gambling on them in Iowa, Alabama, and Mississippi.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which assisted police in seizing the dogs, said there were definite signs of a fighting ring.

“After search warrants were served Thursday morning by the FBI, responders discovered dogs tethered on heavy chains and training devices consistent with dog fighting.”

The ASPCA is housing the pit bulls in a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location, KWQC said. The dogs will receive “medical attention and behavioral enrichment” until a court makes a decision about their custody.

Tim Rickey, the vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response, said that dog fighting is more common than people think.

“… The level of brutality we continue to see in organized dog fighting rings is profoundly troubling. We’re relieved these animals have finally been removed from this cycle of violence. Many people will be surprised to learn that dog fighting is happening in their community. It’s an underground activity that goes mostly unnoticed by the public, but it happens all across the country.”

Two people were arrested on felony drug charges as part of the raid, although they have not yet been implicated in dog fighting.

Rock Island County State’s Attorney John McGehee declined to give further details, according to Quad City Times.

“I’m not saying they are affiliated with the dog fighting cases. Out of that investigation, two individuals were arrested for drugs.”

WQUAD8 reported that 41-year-old Ryan Hickman is charged with possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine. Willie Jackson, 34, is charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Both appeared in Rock Island County Circuit Court at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Hickman’s bond was set at $75,000. Jackson’s bond was set at $10,000.

Court records showed that Hickman was arrested on September 23, 2010, in Rock Island on charges of promoting dog fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals, both Class 4 felonies. He pleaded guilty to the dog-fighting charge and was given a two-year probation sentence.

Other individuals involved in the ring besides Hickman and Jackson include the following list.

Quentin Clemons
Algerron Goldsmith Sr.
Simmeon Hall
Marcus Holmes
Sherrick Houston
Jaquan Jones
Stantrel Knight
Denzell Lee
Andre Lidell
Timon Mayfield
Demarlo McCoy
Terril McDuffy
Derrick Nephew
Torrie Roberts
Darrick Rodgers

KWQC stated that after losing two fights, two different dogs were hung.

A confidential source said Roberts conducted dog fights in his basement, where he charged $5 per person as an entry fee.

QC Times said that Clemons’ dog lost in a fight at Roberts’ home.

“He then killed the dog by hanging it in front of those present, the confidential source said.

“In a fight at McCoy’s residence, Knight hung his dog by the neck until it died after it lost a fight.”

The dog fighting bust involved a year’s worth of investigation, with the cooperation of the following agencies.

Rock Island Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United State’s Attorney’s Office
Drug Enforcement Administration
Illinois State Police
Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office
Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department
Moline Police Department
East Moline Police Department
Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group
Davenport Police Department
Scott County Sheriff’s Department
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

The timing of the arrests coincides with a new ruling by the U.S. Sentencing Commission. On April 15, they elevated the sentencing range for animal fighting from 6-12 months to 21-27 months jail.

According to ASPCA.org, the Commission also created a recommended sentencing range of 6-12 months for the new federal crime of bringing a child to an animal fight.

“Lastly, the revised guidelines explicitly state that causing harm to a large number of animals and performing acts of extraordinary cruelty to animals are grounds for imposing longer sentences.”






64 Pit Bulls Seized In Major Dog Fighting Raid In Illinois

 

Just to add to that.

https://mgtvkwqc.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/courtdoc.pdf

 

Thanks for posting that treez
It's just about been 10 years since the big bust in the badger state. The Feds really began to take this shit seriously during and after this case. One year later in the summer of 2007 the Vick case fell into their lap and with it the attention of the 24/7/365 media.
Let's just say there were 3 kinds of dogmen at that time, bold smart and dumb.
At that time the smart ones adjusted their behavior and lifestyle accordingly.
There are two kinds of dogmen left, the not so smart and the bold. These clowns obviously fall into the former, the "not so smart category"
I will say to the bold dogmen out there and it's the same thing I've been saying for he last fifteen years.
Know the laws and make damn sure you do not break those laws.
These investigations go on for years and believe me there are probably many ongoing at this time.
I've always told people it's not illegal to feed dogs and pick up shit...yet.
That's about all that's left of the dog game these days but there is still a lot of pride in doing it well, the dogs themselves are reward enough.
Don't be your own worst enemy, don't associate with clowns involved in business on the wrong side of the legal line.
In this day and age mere survival is winning. When the law is broken and your door is kicked in and dogs killed the Feds, hsus, and aspca win.
Please be winners and not losers, your dogs lives depend on it.

 

No problem. Great post, Benthere. Very true and well spoken/written.

 

Yup, Idiots. I saw them in dog groups and it was obvious they were trouble. Just some more dope boys that bought a few dogs.