Randall J. Frye, Dog-Fighting Conspiracy, Ohio 2016

Dog-fighting operation in central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Randall J. Frye, 58, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiring to participate in a dog-fighting ring in central Ohio.

The guilty plea comes after Charles A. Granberry, 40, of Columbus pleaded guilty to the same dog-fighting charge and to illegally possessing a firearm in November 2016.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers found dogs at the homes of Frye and Granberry. Each house was used to train, fight and sell dogs, including at least 20 fighting dogs in the rear yard and attic of one house and at least nine dogs at Frye’s residence, some that were chained to heavy automobile axles buried in the ground.

Officers executed search warrants on April 5, 2016 at five Columbus houses. Agents seized evidence including more than 40 dogs along with cages, treadmills, heavy chains and collars and other items. Agents found canine blood on the floor and walls of the basement of one home indicating that the area was used as a dog fighting pit.

Frye was charged by a Bill of Information on February 16, 2016. Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the ongoing investigation by the USDA-OIG, Columbus Police and the Humane Society, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Michael Marous and Jessica Knight, and Franklin County Assistant Prosecutor Heather Robinson, who are representing the United States in this case.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty and brutality of dog-fighting operations.

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