Officials stated that a federal court in Texas unsealed a grand jury indictment Wednesday charging a Texas man with federal dogfighting violations.
Jesus Allen Stephens, of Waskom, Texas, is charged with participating in a major dogfighting event in November 2021 in Waskom, possessing fighting dogs and fighting dogs in an April 2021 dog fight.
Court records indicate that on November 13, 2021, Stephens orchestrated a significant dogfighting event on his family’s property in Harrison County, Texas. Along with accomplices, he set up dog fights for betting and entertainment.
Before the event, Stephens publicized a lineup of as many as 14 matches and distributed GPS coordinates to various attendees, including those from out of state.
When law enforcement interrupted the event, they discovered a designated dogfighting area and additional evidence related to the activity.
Under federal law, it is illegal to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce and to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase, or receive dogs for fighting purposes.
The indictment charges Stephens with possessing seven dogs for dogfighting purposes.
Stephens is also charged with participating in another dog fight on April 10, 2021. Authorities recovered six dogs in conjunction with this investigation.
If convicted, Stephens faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count charged. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI’s Shreveport Resident Agency and Tyler, Texas, offices are investigating this case.
Trial Attorney Sarah Brown and Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.