A Missouri man has admitted to hosting dogfights in his home and training dogs for combat. Terrell Williams, 52, pleaded guilty Friday to a federal dogfighting charge.
Williams of Riverview admitted to hosting organized dogfights in a wooden “box” setup in the basement of his Riverview home on two occasions in July and August 2021. He also admitted to breeding and owning multiple bull terriers and terrier mixes between September 2020 and May 2022 for the purpose of dogfighting.
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In June 2022, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence, seizing eight bull terrier mixes, three Yorkshire terriers, and various dogfighting paraphernalia. This included weighted vests, body-enhancing chemicals, and a canine treadmill. Many of the dogs exhibited signs of aggression, fear, and scarring consistent with dogfighting.
Williams pleaded guilty to a dogfighting charge, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6th.
As part of his plea agreement, Williams has agreed to forfeit the seized dogs and all dogfighting equipment.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.
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