An Alabama man recently pleaded guilty to organizing a dogfighting ring and charging spectators admission to attend the gruesome matches, where illegal gambling also took place.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a July 11 press release, Donnie Anderson, of Auburn, Ala., admitted in his plea agreement to organizing and holding dogfights, mostly in the Auburn area, from 2009-2013. Anderson also admitted to charging entrance fees between $100 and $150. He said dog owners and spectators would bet on the outcome of fights, where wagers on each fight could range from $20,000 to $200,000.
The FBI said their Mobile Field Office received disturbing tips in 2011 about a possible high-stakes dogfighting and gambling ring based in Alabama that attracted participants from several nearby states. As a result, the FBI opened an investigation in April 2011 that eventually led to the takedown of Anderson’s operation.
In August 2013, the investigation led to the indictment and arrest of 10 individuals on federal dogfighting and gambling charges. Nine others have also pled guilty in the case thus far.
Law enforcement seized firearms, illegal drugs, drugs used to treat and train dogs and more than $500,000 in cash in relation to the case.
The takedown also resulted in the rescue of 367 dogs.
Furthermore, two FBI agents and a former agent, in addition to an Auburn Police Department detective and the U.S. Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, were all recently recognized with an award from the Humane Society for their actions that led to the rescue of the mistreated canines.
Two violations reported in MPD underage drinking operation
The Mobile Police Department’s Youth Services Unit conducted an operation on July 12 to combat the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors in the Mobile area, according to a July 14 press release.
Officials said 10 businesses were checked with two shops receiving violations – the Shell Service Station at 4786 Airport Blvd and the Circle K at 6900 Aiport Blvd – for selling alcohol to minors.
Recording no violations were: My Boys Store at 750 Holcombe Ave., Fulton Grocery at 1288 Dauphin Island Parkway, Clark Exxon at 1600 Dauphin Island Parkway, Shell Service at 2000 Dauphin Island Parkway, ZTEC at 2206 Dauphin Island Parkway, D.I.P. Club Food MART at 817 Dauphin Island Parkway, Shell Service Station at 3660 Airport Blvd. and BP Circle K at 4659 Airport Blvd.
Arrest made in Cloverleaf homicide
Mobile Police investigated a homicide after officers responded to the 1400 block of Cloverleaf Circle South on Monday, July 14 at approximately 10:34 p.m., for a report of one shot.
According to officials, 19-year-old Selena Edwards was found in the front yard of a residence suffering from a single gunshot wound. The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The preliminary investigation identified the suspect as 24-year-old Raphiel Quinnie, who knew the victim. On July 15, Quinnie was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the case.
The investigation is ongoing. MPD asks if you have any further information related to this crime please call 251-208-7211.
