dublin, georgia โ Five Georgia men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a dog-fighting operation that involved about 100 dogs, according to the Department of Justice.
The Department of Justice announced that 96 dogs were rescued from the ring during a raid that was part of a multi-county drug trafficking conspiracy.
Two of the men involved in the dogfighting operation were also convicted in connection with the drug trafficking conspiracy.
“As this investigation shows, animal fighting is often combined with other illegal activities,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
The five people pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act. They include:
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travis martinThe 43-year-old resident of Wrightsville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in prison and a $1,000 fine. He was ordered to serve the new sentence on top of the 16-year sentence he is currently serving as the ringleader of a drug trafficking conspiracy.
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Sentel CareyThe 41-year-old Wrightsville resident was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison and a $2,000 fine. Carey is on probation for drug trafficking conspiracy.
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Dennis WilcherThe 42-year-old Wrightsville resident was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $3,000 fine.
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Terry GilmoreThe 28-year-old, of Sandersville, Georgia, was sentenced to 23 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
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Jonathan LinderThe 35-year-old, of Lentz, Georgia, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and a $2,000 fine.
The men are prohibited from engaging in any activities involving dogs and will be on supervised release for three years.
The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation in 2022 that resulted in federal indictments against 11 defendants in 27 counties for participating in a methamphetamine and heroin distribution operation.
The investigation resulted in multiple searches of residences and vehicles and the seizure of large amounts of drugs, cash and firearms.
During the investigation, 96 dogs were also rescued and veterinary services rehabilitated the rescued dogs.
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