Echols County Residents Hit With Dog Fighting and Gun Charges

ALBANY, GA — A federal grand jury has leveled a barrage of charges against three residents of Echols County, Georgia, in what officials are calling a massive crackdown on dog fighting and firearms violations. Raymond Lee Hendrix, Willie Henderson, and Tara Renee Hunt have been hit with a litany of accusations, including conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce to sponsor and exhibit a dog in an animal fighting venture.

Hendrix, also known as ‘Georgia Lee’ and ‘Lee,’ along with Henderson and Hunt, face potential sentences ranging from five years imprisonment to life for their alleged roles. The trio is accused of engaging in a sinister cycle of buying, selling, training, and transporting dogs for fighting purposes. In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Hendrix and Henderson are charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence, while Henderson faces additional penalties for manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a drug involved premise, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The federal prosecutors are aiming for the harshest sentences possible. If convicted, Hendrix could be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment or $250,000 fine, or both. Henderson’s charges carry even stiffer penalties, with potential sentences of up to 20 years for drug offenses and life in prison for firearms violations.

Both Hendrix and Hunt have had their initial appearances and arraignment in Albany, Georgia. Hendrix was released on a $15,000 unsecured bond, while Hunt secured her freedom with a $10,000 bond. Henderson’s appearance is scheduled for February 3, 2015.

This case is the culmination of an intensive inter-agency investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Agriculture, local sheriff’s offices, and animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society and ASPCA. Assistant United States Attorney Julia C. Bowen is leading the prosecution on behalf of the government.

For inquiries regarding this case, contact Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.