RALEIGH, NC – Federal Judge Terrence W. Boyle handed down stiff sentences yesterday to three members of a Roanoke Rapids family convicted on charges ranging from the barbaric practice of dog fighting to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The case, a grim example of animal cruelty and criminal enterprise, exposed a disturbing underbelly within Halifax County.
Elton Gary, 47, received the harshest sentence: 72 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Gary was convicted on multiple counts including exhibiting and sponsoring an animal for fighting, attending an animal fighting venture, possessing animals for fighting, 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. The breadth of his crimes paints a picture of a deeply entrenched criminal operation.
His wife, Erica Powell Gary, 44, was sentenced to four months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for felony dog fighting and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. While receiving a lighter sentence than her husband, her involvement directly contributed to the suffering inflicted on the animals and the perpetuation of the illegal fighting ring. Their son, Zhaqwaun Jevontae Gary, 22, received six months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for his participation in felony dog fighting.
The investigation began on April 7, 2013, when the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of a dog fight in progress at the Gary’s residence. What deputies found was a scene of horrific brutality. Blood-soaked areas, a makeshift fighting pit constructed from a steel bucket and ring, and blood splatters on the walls testified to the violence that occurred within. Seventeen American Pit Bull Terriers were seized, each bearing the scars and wounds consistent with repeated participation in dog fights. Many were chained within a fenced area, with blood at the base of the fencing.
Beyond the animal cruelty, deputies discovered a sophisticated marijuana grow operation in a shed on the property, containing approximately 68 plants, along with grow lights, seeds, timers, and heaters. A subsequent search of the Gary’s home revealed two firearms, one of which was loaded, hidden in the master bedroom closet. This discovery added firearm charges to the already extensive list of offenses. The evidence clearly showed a deliberate and calculated effort to profit from illegal activities.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax County Animal Control, the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette prosecuted the case, securing convictions and ensuring the Gary family faced justice for their reprehensible crimes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of criminal activity and the importance of diligent law enforcement.
Related Federal Cases
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- ‘229 Boys Kennels’ Dogfight Ring Busted, Seven Face Federal Charges · Alabama
- Clanton Sentenced in Drug Ring Takedown · North Carolina
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- Floridian Larry Dorsey Sentenced to 7 Years for Rx Pill Ring · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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