AKRON, OH – A sickening scene of animal cruelty and criminal activity has been exposed in Akron, with ten individuals now facing federal charges related to a dog-fighting operation. The indictment, unsealed today, stems from a raid conducted on November 15, 2014, at a Cordova Avenue residence, revealing a depraved venture fueled by violence and greed.
Those indicted include Alvin Banks, 56, of Akron; Carlton Davis and Anthony L. Harris, both 41 and both of Gary, Ind.; Donell Higginbotham, 35, of Pittsburgh; Mark Terrell McCraw, 29, of Hersporia, Calif.; Samuel G. Mobley, 38, of Gastonia, N.C.; Corey B. Moorefield, 45, of Pittsburgh; Darius D. Muse, 24, of Victorville, Calif.; Ryan A. Sadler, 32, of Gastonia, N.C. and Tommy L. Walker, 60, of East Chicago, Ind. The announcement was made jointly by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, and a coalition of local law enforcement officials.
The raid uncovered a gruesome 16×16 foot fighting ring stained with blood. Investigators also seized two “break sticks” – tools used to forcibly separate battling dogs – and eight pit bull or pit bull mixes, two of whom bore the fresh, bloody wounds of a recent fight. Beyond the animal cruelty, authorities discovered $52,000 in cash, firearms, and narcotics. Alvin Banks and Mark Terrell McCraw face escalated charges, specifically for sponsoring and exhibiting canines in the fighting venture, as well as allegedly buying, selling, and training dogs for the brutal contests.
But the depravity doesn’t end there. Alvin Banks is also facing charges related to a separate criminal enterprise: being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession with intent to manufacture and distribute less than 50 marijuana plants, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This paints a picture of a dangerous individual deeply involved in multiple illegal activities. The investigation was a joint effort between the Akron Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and the Humane Society of Greater Akron.
Prosecutors, led by Assistant United States Attorney Linda H. Barr, will now build their case. While an indictment represents a serious accusation, it is crucial to remember that these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The court will determine sentencing based on individual factors, including prior criminal records and the extent of each defendant’s involvement, but the maximum penalties for these crimes are substantial.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of animal cruelty and the criminal networks that exploit it. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the proceedings as they unfold, exposing the truth and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The details of this operation are disturbing, and the suffering inflicted upon these animals is unconscionable.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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