Five Plead Guilty In Dog Fighting Ring That Operated Across U.S.

Last updated on Monday, August 14, 2017

(TRENTON, N.J.) - Five men have pleaded guilty in a dog fighting ring that stretched between New Jersey and New Mexico.

Prosecutors said that the men participated in dog fights and trafficked in dogs for fights in New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois and New Mexico.

Frank Nichols of Millville, New Jersey, and Pedro Cuellar of Willow Springs, Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court in Trenton on Friday.

Anthony Gaines and Lydell Harris, both of Vineland, pleaded guilty Thursday, and Mario Atkinson, of Asbury Park, pleaded guilty in June.

Prosecutors say the case is part of Operation Grand Champion, which has rescued 98 dogs so far. The phrase Grand Champion is used by dog fighters for animals with more than five victories.

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