Indiana – On September 7, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana issued a press release announcing the indictment of 21 people involved in a “alarming” dogfighting ring that involved not only brutality to countless dogs forced into the ugly bloodsport, but a slew of other illegal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and unlawful possession of firearms.
On August 31, a multi-agency operation led to the arrest of 18 of the 21 individuals named in the indictment and the seizure of more than 40 firearms, quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, dog fighting paraphernalia, over $55,000 in cash, and approximately 90 dogs.
The investigation began in 2022 when two men, Gregory Henderson Jr. and Ramiro Rico De Leon, were allegedly smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States from the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. The men had ties with a gang that distributed drugs to Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.
Throughout the investigation, authorities determined that the drug smugglers had deep ties to organized dog fighting and gambling. US Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary Myers said:
“The allegations are alarming about the many dogs that were made to engage in these violent and horrific fights for the pleasure of and the gambling of the individuals who just lacked, allegedly, the humanity to see what was wrong in what they were doing and to choose to engage in that conduct again and again over a significant period.”
Officials seized 90 dogs and puppies from the dogfighting operation and took them to a secure location for a behavior assessment.
Each defendant charged with conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture faces up to 5 years in federal prison if convicted. Each defendant charged with conspiracy to traffic controlled substances faces up to life. Please add your name to the petition to put every one of these individuals away for as long as possible!
We, the undersigned, demand that the 21 individuals named in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana, press release face the maximum punishment allowable by law for the charges stemming from their involvement in dogfighting, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and illegal gun possession. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for the maximum penalty allowed by law.
TYRONE BELL, 52: Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
DAVID BENNETT, 40: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
EDWARD BRONAUGH, 57: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
JAMES CROONS, 34: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
RAMIRO RICO DE LEON, 31, Mexico: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering
ERICK FOSTER, 33: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
GREGORY EASTER, 35: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
LAUREN EGGERT, 32: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
MAURICE ERVIN, 44: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
DONTORIA GILBERT, 36: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
GREGORY HENDERSON, JR., 43: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine; Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering; and Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
MARVIN JOHNSON, JR., 46: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
LANDON JONES, 39: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
CHRISTOPHER NORFOLK, 48: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
CHARLES RICHARDSON, III, 43: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
MICHAEL SANDERS, 45: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture.
J.C. SMITH, 38: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
QUOSHAWN STEWART, 34: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
GEORGE TAYLOR, 44: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
DONOVAN TIPLER, 30: Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture
OCTAVIO VICENCIO, 32: Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
Of note: Law enforcement has asked the public for assistance in locating fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr. The FBI provides a $5,000 reward for information leading to Henderson’s arrest. Those with information are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or they can submit tips online at www.tips.fbi.gov
Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.
News
United States Attorney’s Office Press Release
Update 10/09/2025: JUDGMENT as to ERICK FOSTER (4), Count(s) 1, 1s, Indictment and Superseding Indictment dismissed as it pertains to the defendant on the motion of the United States.; Count(s) 1ss, DEFENDANT pleaded guilty to count 1. IMPRISONMENT: 60 Months. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 36 Months. SA Fee: $100.00. FINE: $1,000.00. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: The defendant participate in substance abuse treatment (specifically RDAP); receive a mental health evaluation and treatment for trauma and PTSD; participate in parenting and financial literacy classes; participate in education and vocational training (specifically for plumbing); attend Criminal Thinking programming; and be designated to a facility as close to Columbus, Ohio, at the lowest applicable security level as possible. Signed by Chief District Judge James Russell Sweeney, II on 09/25/2025.
David Bennett has entered a plea of guilty and a plea agreement on 10/3/2025. No sentencing date has been set currently.
SCHEDULING ORDER as to MICHAEL SANDERS (14); The Court, having learned of a change of counsel, vacates the October 7, 2025, initial appearance on a superseding indictment. Initial Appearance on superseding indictment is reset for 10/21/2025 01:00 PM in room #270, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana before Criminal Duty Magistrate Judge.
Dontoria Gilbert pled not guilty to the indictment on 10/03/2025. Pre-trial and Jury trial have not yet been scheduled.
Robert Hamer fired his Defense Attorney Jonathon A. Bont. ORDER of USCA as to ROBERT HAMER, III (25) re 1136 Notice of Appeal (USCA #25-2442) – IT IS ORDERED that the Motion to Withdraw filed by attorney Jonathan A. Bont is GRANTED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Thomas W. Patton, Chief Federal Defender, 401 Main Street, Peoria, IL, 61602, Thomas_Patton@fd.org, is appointed to represent defendant-appellant Robert Hamer, III. Counsel is directed to contact the defendant-appellant immediately.
Defendant, Octavio Vicencio, has entered a petition to enter a plea of guilty 1090 in the above-referenced cause. The plea will be taken and sentencing held on December 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (ET) in Room 202, U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Any sentencing memoranda and/or supporting exhibits shall be filed by November 28, 2025. Signed by Chief District Judge James Russell Sweeney, II on 10/3/2025
Update 9/11/2025: Robert Hamer, III has been sentenced to a total of 65 months imprisonment for multiple counts, with recommendations for various programs including substance abuse treatment and vocational training. He also faces supervised release for two years on each count. An update notes that Hamer submitted a plea to the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th district on August 1, 2025.
Defendant Ryan Hicks pled guilty to multiple counts and was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, with recommendations for various rehabilitative programs. He is to serve a supervised release of 36 months and pay fines totaling $1,400. However, Hicks appealed the decision, and his case was dismissed by the Court of Appeals on 08/27/2025.
On 08/27/2025 Defendant Tyrone Bell pled guilty to 2 felonies – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentencing date has not yet been set.
Defendant Michael Sanders has not yet pled in this case. There is no pre-trial nor jury trial scheduled. His defense attorneys are filing various motions.
George Taylor – Defendant – pled not guilty. The final pretrial conference is rescheduled to commence on October 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (ET); and the jury trial is rescheduled to commence on November 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (ET) in Room 307, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN
Defendant David Bennett – pled not guilty. The final pretrial conference is rescheduled to commence on October 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (ET); and the jury trial is rescheduled to commence on November 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (ET) in Room 307, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN
Defendant Quoshawn Stewart pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on 09/08/2025. The sentencing includes 60 months of imprisonment, 48 months of supervised release, a $100 S.A. fee, and a $1,000 fine. The court recommends placement in a facility offering the Female Integrated Treatment Program and various rehabilitative services.
Defendant Dontoria Gilbert pled guilty to 2 counts (felonies) conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances on 08/20/2025. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Defendant J.C. Smith pled guilty to Count 1 on 08/26/2025, receiving a sentence of 60 months imprisonment. The court recommended placement at a BOP facility near Indianapolis, Indiana, and participation in various rehabilitation programs. Smith will also undergo 4 years of supervised release, with a special assessment and fine totaling $1,100.
Defendant Donovan Tipler has pled guilty to counts 3 and 12, resulting in a sentence of 8 months imprisonment to be served concurrently. The court recommends a mental health evaluation, GED classes, and placement close to Indianapolis at a low security level. Additionally, Tipler will serve 2 years of supervised release per count and is required to pay a $200 SA fee and a $500 fine.
Defendant Erick Foster has pled guilty and will be sentenced on September 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (ET), Room 202 United States Courthouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Defendant Octavio Vicencio has pled guilty to 2 felony charges of Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances. Since he has pled guilty, his pre-trial for October 30, 2025 and Jury Trial of November 17th, 2025 have been vacated. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled since there are various objections that defense attorney has submitted.
Update 5/16/2025: 2/27/2025 JUDGMENT as to JAMES CROONS (15) – Defendant pleaded guilty to Counts 3, 7, and 14 of the Superseding Indictment. IMPRISONMENT: 8 months on each of Counts 3, 7, and 14, concurrent, for 8 months. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 2 years on each of Counts 3, 7, and 14, concurrent, for 2 years. S.A. FEE: $300.00. FINE: $500.00. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: Designation to a BOP facility as close to Indianapolis as possible, at the lowest security level deemed appropriate with participation in substance abuse evaluation/treatment, mental health evaluation/treatment, financial literacy classes, parenting classes, vocational training, and Prison Industries. (See Judgment.) Judge James R. Sweeney II signed on 2/27/2025. Electronic notice to USM-C. (JSR)
Defendant Edward Bronaugh
04/16/2025 JUDGMENT regarding EDWARD BRONAUGH (18) – Pled guilty to counts 3 and 13. Imprisonment for concurrent terms of 39 months on each of Counts 3 and 13. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: The defendant receive substance abuse treatment, receive a mental health evaluation for trauma, participate in anger management classes, receive educational programming, receive vocational training in culinary arts, participate in financial management classes, and be designated to a medical facility to address his physical health needs. Supervised release for concurrent terms of 2 years on Counts 3 and 13. Special Assessment $200. Fine of $500. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 4/16/2025.
Defendant Gregory Easter
05/15/2025 JUDGMENT regarding GREGORY EASTER (9) – Defendant pleaded guilty to count 1. IMPRISONMENT: 37 months, served consecutively to any sentence imposed in the following cases: 49D32-0702-FA-31983; 49D32-2205-F4-13100; 49D32-2305-F3-14496; 22D02-2403-CM-466; and 22D01-2502-F5-319. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 3 years. S.A. FEE: $100.00. FINE: $1,000.00. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: Placement at a BOP facility nearest Indianapolis, Indiana, and the lowest applicable security designation. Participation in substance abuse treatment to include RDAP and AA; anger management; educational programming; mental health treatment; parenting classes; and vocational training related to plumbing, carpentry, and/or electrical. (See Judgment.) Judge James R. Sweeney II signed on 5/15/2025. Electronic notice to USM-C. (JSR)
Defendant Marvin Johnson
04/15/2025 JUDGMENT as to MARVIN JOHNSON, JR. (20). Defendant pleaded guilty to Count 3. IMPRISONMENT: 8 months RECOMMENDATION: Designation to a BOP facility as close to Indianapolis as possible, at the lowest security level deemed appropriate. Participation in GED programming, financial literacy classes, parenting classes, and vocational training in culinary and/or barbering. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 2 years. S.A.: $100.00 FINE: $500.00. The original Indictment is dismissed on the oral motion of the United States as to this defendant only. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 4/15/2025. Electronic notice to USM-C.(LBT)
Defendant Lauren Eggert
01/17/2025 JUDGMENT regarding LAUREN EGGERT (10) – Defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment. The original Indictment was dismissed on the oral motion of the United States as to this defendant only. IMPRISONMENT: Time Served, concurrent to any sentence imposed in Marion County, Indiana, case number 49D32-2305-F4-014796. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 5 years. S.A. FEE: $100.00. FINE: $500.00. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 1/17/2025. Electronic notice to USM-C.(DWH)
Defendant Charles Richardson
12/18/2024 JUDGMENT as to CHARLES RICHARDSON, III (16) – Pled guilty to counts 3, 14, and 30 of Superseding Indictment. Imprisonment for 46 months on counts 3, 14, and 30, to be served concurrently and produce a total of 46 months. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: Substance abuse treatment, including RDAP; mental health evaluation; criminal thinking program; parenting classes; vocational and educational training; and to be designated at a facility as close to Indianapolis, at the lowest security level deemed appropriate. Supervised release for a term of 3 years on counts 3, 14, and 30, to be served concurrently and produce a total term of 3 years. Special Assessment of $300. Fine of $3000. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 12/18/2024. Electronic notice to USM-C.(JRB)
Defendant Maurice Ervin
11/13/2024 JUDGMENT as to MAURICE ERVIN (13). The defendant pleaded guilty to Counts 3, 7, 11, 12, and 13. IMPRISONMENT: 24 months per count, served concurrently, for 24 months. RECOMMENDATIONS: Placement as close to Indianapolis, IN, as possible. Placement in substance abuse treatment, including RDAP and Alcoholics Anonymous or another substance abuse treatment program; complete a mental health evaluation; anger management courses; criminal thinking; GED classes; vocational training; and Federal Prison Industries. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 3 years per count, served concurrently. S.A. FEE: $500.00. FINE: $5,500.00. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 11/13/2024. Electronic notice to USM-C.(LBT)
Defendant DAYMOND MASON
1/06/2024 JUDGMENT regarding DAYMOND MASON (27) – Defendant pleaded guilty to Counts 3 and 11. IMPRISONMENT: 34 months on each Counts 3 and 11, to be served concurrently. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 2 years on Counts 3 and 11, to be served concurrently. S.A. FEE: $200.00. FINE: $500.00. The Court makes the following recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons: The defendant participate in substance abuse treatment, specifically RDAP and AA; participate in anger management and parenting classes; receive a mental health evaluation for trauma; receive vocational and educational training; participate in Prison Industries; and be designated at a facility as close to Indianapolis, Indiana, as possible at the lowest applicable security level. (See Judgment.) Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 11/6/2024. Electronic notice to USM-C. (JSR)
Defendant Marven Carswell
09/04/2024 JUDGMENT regarding MARVEN CARSWELL (24) – Pled guilty to counts 3, 4, and 17. Imprisonment for concurrent terms of time served on Counts 3, 4, and 17. Supervised release for concurrent terms of 2 years for Counts 3, 4, and 17. Special Assessment of $300. Fine of $500. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 9/4/2024. Electronic notice to USM-C. (JRB)
Defendant Christopher Norfolk
Special Assessment: $100.00.
• Incarceration: Time Served, consecutive to any sentence imposed in
Marion County Superior Court cause number 49D29- 2011-F4-035059.
• Supervised Release: 3 years.
• Fine: $500.00, interest waived.
• Abandonment: The Defendant agrees to abandon a Flirt pole; Animal
medicine vials tubing and needles; Blood samples; Dog Food Nation
folder; Dog breeding chart; Shock collar with remote control; ABBA
paperwork and breeding bracket; Receipt for canine vaccine; Black
harness; Orange crane scale; Paw Paws treadmill; Weighted collar;
Pinworm treatment and medicine bottles, and Vetguard Plus for Dogs
with tube (collectively Asset Identification Number: 23- FBI-008210).
Update 4/7/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to the Assistant United States Attorneys with updated signatures.
Update 1/9/2025: 08/20/2024 ORDER granting 749 Motion to Continue Final Pre Trial and Trial as to RAMIRO RICO DE LEON (1), GREGORY HENDERSON, JR (2), OCTAVIO VICENCIO (3), ERICK FOSTER (4), GEORGE TAYLOR (5), J.C. SMITH (6), DONTORIA GILBERT (7), DAVID BENNETT (8), QUOSHAWN STEWART (11), CHRISTOPHER NORFOLK (12), MICHAEL SANDERS (14), JAMES CROONS (15), CHARLES RICHARDSON, III (16), LANDON JONES (17), EDWARD BRONAUGH (18), DONOVAN TIPLER (19), MARVIN JOHNSON, JR (20), TYRONE BELL (21), RYAN HICKS (22), BRENT HUTCHINSON (23), ROBERT HAMER, III (25), ERNEST YOUNG (26), WILLIE LEE (28) – The October 3, 2024, final pretrial conference, and the October 21, 2024, trial dates are vacated as to Defendants 1-8, 11-12, 14-23, 25-26, and 28. The final pretrial conference is rescheduled for April 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM. (ET); the jury trial is rescheduled to begin on April 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM. (ET) in Room 307, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN as to Defendants 1-8, 11-12, 14-23, 25-26, and 28. SEE ORDER. Signed by Judge James R. Sweeney II on 8/20/2024. Electronic Notice to USPO. (JRB)
Update 12/8/2024: Animal Victory sent a petition to the DA and the Judge.
Update 3/12/2024: There are 28 defendants in this case. The case is ongoing, and the last entry seen in Pacer is 03/08/2024 625 WAIVER OF INITIAL APPEARANCE, ARRAIGNMENT, AND EXECUTION OF WARRANT ON SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT by J.C. SMITH (6) (Bowes, Gregory) (Entered: 03/08/2024)
Update 10/16/23: Animal Victory sent a petition to the DA and the Court.
Prior Signatures 16,973
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused children seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
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