Pit Bull Puppy Scam Lands Maryland Man in Federal Prison

WASHINGTON D.C. – Fonjeck Eric Azoh, 42, of Mount Rainier, Maryland, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 30 months for running a callous scheme that preyed on would-be pet owners. Azoh advertised pit bull puppies for sale online, taking money from over 100 victims across the country – and delivering nothing but heartache.

The Department of Justice announced the sentencing today, detailing how Azoh raked in at least $158,000 through fraudulent money transfers between January 2019 and October 2020. He listed the puppies on various websites, promising a furry companion to buyers in 40 different states, all while knowing full well he had no intention of fulfilling the sales. The scam targeted vulnerable individuals eager to welcome a new pet into their homes.

According to court documents, Azoh directed victims to send funds via money transfer businesses, personally collecting the cash at retail locations. He systematically pocketed the money, leaving a trail of broken promises and empty wallets in his wake. The sheer scale of the operation – 119 victims spread across the nation – speaks to the brazenness of the fraud.

Azoh pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in August 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, before Judge Carl J. Nichols. Beyond the prison sentence, Nichols ordered Azoh to pay $158,000 in restitution to his victims. Law enforcement seized $67,000 during the investigation, which will be applied toward the restitution, and a further $92,000 forfeiture money judgment was levied against Azoh.

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., jointly announced the sentencing. They praised the dedicated work of the HSI investigators who built the case and the Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert, who successfully prosecuted Azoh. This case highlights the importance of vigilance when making purchases online.

Azoh has been in custody since his arrest in January 2021. This sentencing sends a clear message: exploiting the emotions of animal lovers for financial gain will not be tolerated. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar instances of online fraud.