North Carolina man sentenced in Virginia for role in nationwide dogfighting ring as nearly 20 others face justice
Alexandria, Virginia – A North Carolina man has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for his central role in a violent and far-reaching dogfighting ring that extended through multiple states. The case highlights years of brutal activity that left many animals dead and exposed the dark underworld of illegal animal fighting.
Charles Reginald McDougald, also known as “Luke” and “Bottom Boy,” aged 55, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for participating in an organized effort to train and fight dogs. The dogfighting ring, which operated between March 2015 and December 2022, involved co-conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
According to court documents, the group used a messaging app private group called “The DMV Board” or “The Board” to communicate secretly. Inside the group, members exchanged training videos, arranged and coordinated fights, and shared graphic discussions about killing dogs that lost. Members also shared news reports about others being caught and discussed strategies to avoid law enforcement detection. McDougald himself offered to set up dogfights for thousands of dollars.
His sentencing marks a significant chapter in a larger crackdown on the dogfighting organization. He is among 19 individuals who have now been convicted and sentenced for their involvement with “The DMV Board.”
Rodriguez Norman, known as “Tough Love,” was one of the first convicted. He received nine years for financial crimes and an additional year for dogfighting.
Carlos Harvey, aka “Roc9,” was sentenced to six months for his role.
Charles Edward Williams III, known as “Never Say Never,” was sentenced to two years in prison.
Michael Roy Hilliard, “No Dayz Off,” faced a six-month sentence, and Laron West, aka “Frog” and “Get Sick,” tragically was murdered before his sentencing.
Derek Aaron Garcia, or “Fatal Attraction,” was sentenced to 10 days, while Ricardo Glen Thorne, “Rip,” received a year and one day.
Others faced varying sentences, including Tarry Jeron Wilson, “Tejai,” sentenced to two years, and Eldridge Jackson, “Big Head,” who was given 30 months.
Bashawn Allen, “425,” received a year and six months, while Larry Alston, “Big Goon,” and Dandre Wallace, “Abstract,” were both sentenced to two years each.
Isaac Weathersby, “Big Fist,” got a year and nine months, while Charles Davis, “Cat Daddy,” received 60 days.
Mark Rodriguez, or “Slow Poke,” was sentenced to 14 days.
Kevin Jackson, “4B1,” received 10 days, while Elijah Loatman, “Nephew the Genius,” was sentenced to 30 days.
Two other defendants, Mario Flythe, “the Barber,” and Frederick Moorfield, “Geehad,” were convicted of both dogfighting and racketeering-related crimes. Flythe received six months, and Moorfield was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.
The operation spanned several states, and the investigation required coordination among various agencies. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, announced the sentencings. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland also played a key role in assisting with the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg and Vanessa K. Strobbe led the prosecution of this major case that brought down one of the country’s most active and brutal dogfighting networks.
