Ehbrin Castro-Correa, Dogfighting, Puerto Rico 2016

Puerto Rico Man Found Guilty of Dogfighting

In a shocking verdict, Ehbrin Castro-Correa, a.k.a. “Chino”, has been found guilty of possessing and training dogs for dogfights. The conviction comes after a two-day trial and a 20-minute deliberation by the jury.

The court heard how Castro-Correa used his cellphone to film his dog and another engaged in a brutal and bloody dogfight in Juncos, Puerto Rico on January 24, 2016. The video was discovered during a search of his cellphone at the Pan American dock when he attempted to transport six canines to the Dominican Republic for dogfighting.

The discovery of the video led to the execution of a search warrant at his residence, resulting in the seizure of an additional 25 dogs, dogfighting training materials and instruments, and pharmaceuticals commonly used to condition dogs for dogfighting and treat their wounds.

“This is a bloody and brutal crime where dogs are trained and forced to tear each other apart for the amusement of sick and depraved individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “It is important to inform the public that it is a violation of federal law to even attend a dogfight.”

The defendant is facing up to five years in prison, a fine not to exceed two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), and a term of supervised release of at least three years. Assistant United States Attorney Scott H. Anderson was in charge of the prosecution of the case.

The case marks the first time a dogfighting case has been tried in the District of Puerto Rico. The protection of animals is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and individuals who attempt to profit from animal abuse crimes will be investigated, prosecuted, and punished accordingly.

Ehbrin Castro-Correa, whose full name is Ehbrin Castro-Correa, a.k.a. “Chino”, is the defendant in this case. He was found guilty of possessing and training an animal for purposes of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/individual-found-guilty-dogfighting