Carlos Warren, Dogfighting and Promoting Animal Fighting Ventures, Virginia 2024

A 49-year-old veterinary technician from Rapidan, Virginia, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in dogfighting and promoting animal fighting ventures nationwide.

Carlos Warren was sentenced on [no date given, but presumably March 2022] by U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon for the Western District of Virginia. As part of his sentence, Warren was ordered to forfeit all dogs and animal-fighting paraphernalia seized from his residence in March 2022.

Warren’s supervised release, which will last for three years, comes with a condition that he cannot own or care for any animals. Additionally, he is prohibited from obtaining any licenses, certifications, or authorizations related to veterinary or animal care.

According to court documents, Warren started fighting dogs as a teenager and continued the practice while living in both California and Virginia. He published and distributed a magazine called ‘the Connector,’ which contained interviews with known dogfighters, results of fights, breeding and pedigree information, and advertisements for fighting dogs.

Warren’s work as a veterinary technician during this time allowed him to steal or obtain medications and supplies, which he used to treat dogs during fights. When a dog was no longer able to fight, Warren would execute it through brutal means, including electrocution.

The investigation into Warren’s activities was conducted by the FBI Richmond Field Office, with assistance from the Virginia State Police. The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Todd W. Gleason of the Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Carlton for the Western District of Virginia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Williams for the Central District of California also assisted with the case.

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Christopher R. Kavanaugh, stated, ‘Dog fighting is savage and inhumane, and it will not be tolerated.’ Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division added, ‘The defendant’s certification and work as a veterinary technician, which he used to further these fights and promote the barbarous treatment of dogs, makes his crimes even more reprehensible.’

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