Current:Home > InvestDepartment of Defense official charged with running dogfighting ring-InfoLens
Department of Defense official charged with running dogfighting ring
View Date:2024-12-23 16:14:45
A Department of Defense official has been charged with dogfighting, according to records unsealed by the Justice Department on Monday night.
Fredrick D. Moorefield Jr. -- who serves as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for Command, Control and Communications -- allegedly engaged in dogfighting under the code name "GeeHad," according to a statement from the Maryland U.S. Attorney's office.
MORE: Police looking for little boy at center of pizza gift card scam to support his baseball team
“Moorefield … and [his] associates used [an] encrypted messaging application to discuss how to train dogs for illegal dogfighting, exchanged videos about dogfighting, and arranged and coordinated dogfights,” the statement read. “Moorefield … also discussed betting on dogfighting, discussed dogs that died as a result of dogfighting, and circulated media reports about dogfighters who had been caught by law enforcement. As further alleged in the affidavit, Moorefield … also discussed how to conceal [his] conduct from law enforcement.”
In one instance in 2018, the DOJ alleges that Moorfield disposed of two dogs who had been killed on his Maryland property that had wounds consistent with dogfighting. Officials eventually linked Moorfield to the dead dogs by identifying a piece of mail located with the dogs bodies, authorities said.
MORE: Flight attendant found dead with sock lodged in her mouth in airport hotel room
The agent who filed the complaint alleges that Moorefield "sponsored" the dogs in a dogfight.
Moorefield was allegedly involved in a larger dogfighting conspiracy called DMV Kennels, in what reassembled some sort of dogfighting league, the DOJ said in their statement.
The complaint alleges Moorefield had been dogfighting and training dogs to fight since at least 2009.
MORE: Man charged with murder after killing his sister and 6-year-old niece in head-on car crash
Prosecutors say they found "multiple" photographs, taken in March 2023, that show dogs in cages and wearing weighted collars -- all hallmarks that are consistent with dogfighting training.
A known dogfighter who agreed to cooperate with the government confirmed that Moorefield was engaged in training dogs to fight and wagering on them.
Meanwhile, at least 12 dogs were seized between two properties belonging to Moorefield Jr. and his co-defendant, a barber who was also charged with dogfighting.
MORE: Teenager arrested after starting massive 28-acre fire when setting off fireworks with friends
Telegram messages from September 2023 show that Moorefield was allegedly engaging in dogfighting and officials said that he admitted this to investigators when they came to search his property.
Following his arrest, authorities were able to seize items consistent with killing dogs after they lose in a fight.
MORE: Man rescued dangling from California's highest bridge 700 feet above river
“Twelve dogs were recovered and seized by the federal government,” officials announced. “Law enforcement also recovered veterinary steroids, training schedules, a carpet that appeared to be stained with blood, and a weighted dog vest with a patch reading “Geehad Kennels.” In addition, law enforcement officers seized a device consisting of an electrical plug and jumper cables, which the affidavit alleges is consistent with devices used to execute dogs that lose dogfights.”
If convicted, Moorfield faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Joan says 'Yes!' to 'Golden Bachelorette' finale fantasy beach proposal. Who did she pick?
- Why Julian Sands' Cause of Death Has Been Ruled Undetermined
- Pete Davidson Gets Community Service Time for Reckless Driving Charge
- Bachelor Nation's Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk Welcome Baby No. 2
- The Best Gifts for Men – That He Won’t Want to Return
- All the Signs Prince George Is Taking This Future-King Business Seriously
- Feel Free to Salute These Secrets About Saving Private Ryan
- Kylie Jenner Shares BTS Photo From Day of Her Reunion With Jordyn Woods
- TikToker Campbell “Pookie” Puckett Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Jett Puckett
- Zayn Malik's Steamy New Song “Love Like This” Will Make Your Heart Race
Ranking
- All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
- Maria Menounos Shares Insight Into First Weeks of Motherhood With Her Baby Girl
- You'll Bend and Snap for Reese Witherspoon and Daughter Ava Phillippe's Latest Twinning Moment
- The Baffling Story of Teen Rudy Farias: Brainwashed at Home and Never Missing Amid 8-Year Search
- Duke basketball vs Kentucky live updates: Highlights, scores, updates from Champions Classic
- Kylie Jenner Shares BTS Photo From Day of Her Reunion With Jordyn Woods
- Cheyenne Floyd Reveals Angry Teen Mom Fans Have Shown Up to Her House
- Iran’s hijab law brings united front among country’s women
Recommendation
-
Skai Jackson announces pregnancy with first child: 'My heart is so full!'
-
Tony Bennett and Susan Crow's Love Story Will Fly You to the Moon
-
This Sweat-Wicking Top Will Keep You Cool and Comfortable on the Hottest Days
-
Constance Wu Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 2
-
Father sought in Amber Alert killed by officer, daughter unharmed after police chase in Ohio
-
Melanie Lynskey and More Stars Who Just Missed Out on Huge Roles
-
James Middleton's Comments About His Relationship With Sister Kate Middleton Are Royally Relatable
-
Tiffany Haddish Shares She Had 8 Miscarriages