Drug investigation uncovers dog fighting ring

PASQUOTANK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) - A two-year federal drug investigation turned up a large dog fighting ring in Pasquotank County and officials seized 80 dogs from six different properties.

Desmond White, 35, and Maurice Baum, 37, were arrested Feb. 5 on federal drug charges and four federal search warrants were executed.

Document: Search warrants

During the drug investigation, officials uncovered a large amount of evidence to suggest the presence dog fighting by the suspects, according to Sheriff Randy Cartwright with the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office.

Because of the evidence, deputies initiated a crackdown on dog fighting and seized 45 dogs from three properties in Elizabeth City and one in Camden with the help of the Elizabeth City Police Department, Camden County Sheriff’s Office and the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina.

Photos: Dogs and items seized

"I've been in law enforcement 28 years now and I've never see anything [like this]," Cartwright said.

Investigators raided homes on Lafayette Avenue, Locust Street and Westover Street. According to search warrants, they found a dead pit bull and one injured pit bull behind the home on Lafayette Avenue. 

They also seized treadmills, leather dog restraints, dog cages, heavy duty exercise chains and puppies.

"It's a tough situation," Cartwright said. "A lot of them have broken bones, hips messed up or skulls cracked, but they save them because they are good for breeding."

Document: Seized items

Paraphernalia used to train and enhance dog fighting was also found in the locations, Cartwright said. Those items included chains, dog medication, heat lamps and a book on how to train pit bulls to fight.

Cartwright contacted the Humane Society of the United States to aid in the investigation after the seizure. Two additional properties were uncovered with suspected connections to White and Baum. Thirty-five other dogs were then seized Feb. 12 and Feb. 13.

“Removing these animals and putting a stop to such cruelty goes even further to maintaining a safer community and protecting the dogs and public,” Cartwright said. “This was a very large operation reaching across many state lines, effects several people and communities.”

An emergency shelter has been opened for the seized dogs. Because of this and the man power being used in the investigation, the shelter will take a monetary hit. Anyone interested in donating to the shelter or volunteering to care for the animals is urged to contact the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office.

Cartwright said PetSmart Charities is donating food, supplies and enrichment for the dogs.

Anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those participating in illegal animal fighting are eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Charges against the suspects in connection to the dog fighting operation are pending. Both remain incarcerated without bond on the drug charges.