12 Milwaukee Residents Charged in Dog Fighting Ring
Twelve individuals from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have been charged with participating in a dog fighting operation, a heinous crime that involves training and fighting animals for entertainment and financial gain. The investigation, led by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in conjunction with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, while one is still at large.
Those arrested include:
- Tiana Arnold, 18, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Demetrius Boyce, 45, charged with buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Alicia Brown, 40, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Tyrone Lewis, 30, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Cheryl Richards, 56, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Gary Richards, 56, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Terry Robinson, 35, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, and interstate travel or transportation in aid of unlawful activity, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Emmitt Smith, 37, charged with buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- William Walker, 31, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Darry Wortham, 29, charged with conspiracy to commit animal fighting, buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture, and possessing animals for the purpose of participating in an animal fighting venture, 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release.
- Travis L. Hazlett, 31, charged with instigating fights between animals and mistreatment of animals, both Class I felonies with a maximum penalty of 3 years and 6 months imprisonment, and a $10,000 fine.
- Thomas Zollicoffer, 24, charged with instigating fights between animals and mistreatment of animals, both Class I felonies with a maximum penalty of 3 years and 6 months imprisonment, and a $10,000 fine.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officials executed six federal search warrants, resulting in the recovery of 22 live dogs, 1 dead dog, 3 firearms, and other instrumentalities associated with dog fighting. The investigation is ongoing, and those involved will face severe consequences for their crimes against animals.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation include the Milwaukee Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC). The investigation is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect animals from cruelty and abuse.
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Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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