A notorious dog-fighting trainer and breeder, Vernon Vegas, 49, of Suwanee, Georgia, received a harsh sentence for his involvement in a multi-state dog-fighting and cocaine trafficking ring. On an unspecified date, Vegas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Vegas, owner of Cane Valley Kennels, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of five years in prison by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III. The sentence is set to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine.
As part of his plea agreement, Vegas agreed to forfeit $116,819 in cash seized during the investigation.
According to court documents, law enforcement investigated a criminal organization involved in both cocaine distribution and organized dog fighting based out of Roberta, Georgia, which extended into North Georgia, Florida, and Alabama from May 2019 until February 2020.
Between October 1996 and February 2020, Vegas bred, trained, sold, and transported dogs for the purpose of dog fighting, including several champion dogs. He also designed and offered a seven-week “keep” where he trained dogs for animal fighting ventures.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), and several local and state law enforcement agencies.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim stated, “Vernon Vegas is being held accountable for his violent, illegal, and inhumane actions.” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary added, “Vernon Vegas has received the maximum prison sentence for training others in the brutal and bloody business of dog-fighting.”
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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