Two Florida men are trading their freedom for a cell after federal officials cracked down on a long-running dog-fighting operation.
Fredricus White, 38, and Cornelious Johnson, 41, of Panama City, were sentenced last week for their roles in a conspiracy that turned animal cruelty into a business model. White received a seven-year sentence, while Johnson was handed two years and six months.
Both men will serve this time only after completing previous sentences for a separate dog-fighting case out of Georgia, keeping them behind bars for years to come.
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The investigation, a joint effort between the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies, exposed a network that spanned from 2018 through early 2024. Despite being caught for similar crimes in Georgia in 2022, the pair continued to breed, train, and gamble on fighting dogs at two rural properties in the Panama City area.
When federal agents moved in to execute warrants in February 2024, they didn’t just find evidence of animal abuse—they also discovered three firearms at White’s home. As a twice-convicted felon, White was legally barred from owning weapons, adding more weight to his legal troubles.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin emphasized that the Justice Department is committed to dismantling these “vicious” enterprises, noting that animal fighting often acts as a hub for other illegal activities.
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Sheriff Tommy Ford echoed that sentiment, stating that his office is dedicated to protecting those who cannot speak for themselves. In total, authorities rescued 27 dogs from the properties.
These animals have been handed over to the U.S. Marshals Service for care and rehabilitation. Once the men eventually finish their prison terms, they will remain under federal supervision for three years.
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