At least nine people are in custody related to a dogfighting incident on Donald Road just west of Newton Saturday night.
Newton County Sheriff Joedy Pennington said the department was made aware of dogfighting ring that was happening on Saturday. When authorities arrived on the scene around 11 p.m. Saturday, Pennington said there were about 40 cars on the property.
“When we showed up, everyone fled on foot into the woods,” Pennington said. “We rescued 12 dogs. We arrested eight people, and we towed 27 cars and a pull-behind trailer.”
As of Monday afternoon, Newton County jail arrest reports showed 9 people had been arrested in connection with the case. Troydell D. Snow, 37, Kevin T. Jackson, 56, Tito Jordan, 45, Clifford R. Deloney,67, Issac McKay, 49, Kendrick Hall, 31, DeAnte Winston, 27 and Jamie S. Spivey, 36, were arrested Sunday and charged with dog fighting, which is a felony. Donyeal Buckley, 42, was arrested Monday and will also face dog fighting charges.
Pennington said they are still investigating the incident and interviewing suspects and persons of interest. Additional arrests may be made as the investigation continues, he said, adding all those involved, whether watching, betting or participating, could face charges.
“It’s not just illegal to run a dogfighting ring, but it is also illegal to watch it or bet on it,” Pennington said. “I’m sure there was betting going on.”
Pennington said Monday he and investigators had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday with the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss how to proceed with the investigation.
“We’ve got a meeting tomorrow morning with the U.S. Attorney and Attorney General,” he said Monday. “We’re trying to decide if they’re going to prosecute it Federal or if we’re going to prosecute it locally.”
While the investigation continues, Pennington said the dogs are being cared for at an undisclosed location outside of Newton County.
