A Virginia resident was sentenced Thursday in federal court to three years in prison for dogfighting, according to federal officials.
According to court documents, Raymond L. Johnson, 41, of Henrico, plead guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Raymond Johnson actively participated in a multi-state criminal enterprise that caused the needless suffering of innocent animals,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Johnson’s sentence demonstrates that dogfighting is a serious crime, which deserves a substantial penalty.”
Beginning in November 2019, law enforcement investigated a criminal organization involved in dogfighting based out of Richmond and extending into Baltimore, Maryland.
In late 2020, law enforcement agents executed three residential search warrants in Virginia and one residential search warrant in Maryland.
Agents seized numerous dogs that were being used for organized dogfighting, together with dog fighting paraphernalia, firearms, and ammunition.
During the investigation, Johnson communicated with his co-conspirators about breeding and fighting dogs, past dog fights, coordination of upcoming dog fights, and other topics detailing the business and the brutality of dogfighting.
Johnson hosted two dog fights at his residence, videos of which were recovered by law enforcement, officials stated.
Agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Henrico residence on Nov. 19, 2020, and recovered nine pitbull terrier-type dogs with scarring consistent with dogfighting.
Agents also seized other evidence of dogfighting activities at Johnson’s residence, including dog collars, medications, supplies and supplements, and a treadmill used to train dogs for fighting.
Agents also recovered firearms and ammunition from Johnson’s residence, including an AK47 style rifle. As a convicted felon, it was illegal for Johnson to possess those firearms and ammunition.