Delontay Moore Sentenced for Dog Fighting, Gun Crimes

Delontay Moore, 26, of Concord, North Carolina, is headed to federal prison for 75 months after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit dog fighting offenses and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence, handed down today, marks a hard blow against a brutal underground network that thrives on animal suffering and armed criminality.

According to court documents, Moore sponsored and exhibited a pit bull in a dog fight in December 2019, having previously conspired with others to train and prepare the animal for combat. The dog lost the fight and died from severe injuries sustained during the bout. In February, federal and local agents raided Moore’s property and seized 25 dogs—many scarred from repeated fights, their ears crudely cropped, wounds festering, and bodies dehydrated. Three required emergency veterinary care, including one with a fractured leg and exposed bone.

The firearm charge stemmed from an anonymous tip to the Concord Police Department. Investigators learned Moore—already convicted of prior drug and weapons felonies—was storing guns on his property. Surveillance in December 2019 captured Moore carrying an AR-15 assault-style rifle behind his home and stashing it under a tarp. The weapon was later recovered during a lawful search.

Moore received a total of 75 months in prison: 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 concurrent with the gun charge, while 12 months will be served consecutively, ensuring additional accountability for his role in the bloodsport.

‘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: ‘This case reveals the cruel truth of dog fighting: it brutalizes and exploits animals for the sake of trivial human entertainment.’ The investigation was led by the USDA Office of Inspector General, with support from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and Concord Police. The firearm case was investigated by Concord PD and ATF. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid and Trial Attorney Erica Pencak.