Delontay Moore Sentenced in NC Dog Fighting, Gun Case

Delontay Moore, 26, of Concord, North Carolina, is headed to federal prison for 75 months after pleading guilty to orchestrating a dog fight that ended in the animal’s gruesome death and illegally possessing an AR-15 rifle. The sentence, handed down today, marks the culmination of a dual investigation into Moore’s violent criminal conduct that exposed both animal torture and unlawful weapons activity on his property.

According to court documents, Moore conspired with others in December 2019 to train and exhibit a dog in a staged fight. The animal lost the bout and later died from severe injuries sustained during the event. In February, federal and local agents raided Moore’s property and seized 25 dogs—many bearing the telltale scars of dog fighting, including infected ear crops, festering wounds, and signs of chronic dehydration. Three dogs required emergency surgery on the spot, one with a shattered leg exposing bone.

The firearms charge stemmed from an anonymous tip to the Concord Police Department alleging Moore, a convicted felon with prior drug and weapons convictions, was storing guns on his property. Surveillance in December 2019 captured Moore carrying an AR-15 assault-style rifle behind his house and hiding it under a tarp. Officers later recovered the weapon during a lawful search. Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to his criminal history.

Moore was sentenced to 63 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm and 60 months for conspiracy to commit dog fighting—the statutory maximum. Of the dog fighting sentence, 48 months will run concurrently with the gun charge, while 12 months will be served consecutively, totaling 75 months behind bars. Prosecutors emphasized the brutality of the crimes and the need for deterrence in violent, animal-based criminal enterprises.

“Dog fighting is not only inhumane and brutal, but also a federal crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Shutting down this criminal industry and holding accountable those who engage in it is part of our ongoing mission.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina condemned Moore’s actions as “barbarous,” praising law enforcement for their relentless pursuit. Special Agent in Charge Jason Williams of the USDA-Office of Inspector General added, “The intentional infliction of pain and suffering on animals for sport is unfathomable.” The case was investigated by the USDA-OIG, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Concord PD, and ATF, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid and Trial Attorney Erica Pencak.