Elton Gary, Dog Fighting, Marijuana Grow & Firearms, North Carolina 2023

Roanoke Rapids Man Sentenced for Dog Fighting, Marijuana, and Firearms Charges

A Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina man and his family members were sentenced for their involvement in dog fighting, marijuana grow, and firearms charges. Elton Gary, 47, was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release for his role in the crimes.

The charges against Elton Gary include exhibiting and sponsoring an animal for the purpose and participation in a fighting venture, attending an animal fighting venture, possession of an animal for the purpose of participation in a fighting venture, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, possession with intent to distribute more than 50 but less than 100 marijuana plants, and maintaining drug involved premises. His wife, Erica Powell Gary, 44, was sentenced to four months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release for felony dog fighting and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charges. Their son, Zhaqwaun Jevontae Gary, 22, was sentenced to six months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for a felony dog fighting charge.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax County Animal Control, the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General.

On April 7, 2013, deputies from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint that a dog fight was taking place at the Gary’s residence in Halifax County. When deputies arrived at the home, they obtained blood samples from an area that appeared to have had recent dog fighting and seized multiple animals. Deputies located a steel bucket with bloody water, a ring or pit for dog fighting, and blood splatters on the walls.

Several pit bulls were chained up within the fence, and deputies located approximately 17 dogs (pit bulls). Each had wounds and scars consistent with dog fighting. While looking for evidence of dog fighting, deputies located marijuana plants growing in a shed on the property. Deputies obtained a search warrant based on the discovery and found approximately 68 plants, a grow light, seeds, timers, heaters, etc. in support of the growing operation. A search warrant was also executed at the Gary’s home, where two firearms, one loaded, were located in the closet of the bedroom shared by Erica and Elton Gary.

The sentencing in this case is a significant step towards holding those responsible for animal cruelty and drug-related crimes accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/roanoke-rapids-man-sentenced-dog-fighting-marijuana-grow-firearms-charges