Fredricus White, 38, and Cornelious Johnson, 41, from Panama City, Florida, have been hit with a heavy punch in the courts after pleading guilty to serious charges. Both men admitted to participating in a conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act through organized dog fighting operations, breeding, training, and gambling on illegal canine confrontations.
White took an extra blow when he also confessed to possessing firearms and ammunition, a charge that carries additional weight due to his previous felony convictions in 2009 and 2012. The investigation was announced by John P. Heekin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The duo’s animal cruelty scheme spanned from 2018 until February 2024, culminating in a federal arrest in Georgia that led to the uncovering of two Panama City area properties teeming with fighting dogs. White’s residence revealed three firearms, despite his prohibition from owning them. The men were also previously arrested in Georgia for participating in a dog fight in 2022.
U.S. Attorney Heekin spoke of the defendants’ cruelty and noted that their actions did not just harm animals but contributed to community violence. “These defendants engaged in cruel and continued mistreatment of animals, but now they will find themselves locked in a cell for their crimes,” Heekin said.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and USDA Inspector General’s Office, with significant support from the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer. It is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida or to access public court documents online, visit their website.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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