Thursday, July 26, 2007
Bad Newz Kennels
The Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation began in April 2007 with a search of property in Surry County, Virginia owned by Michael Vick, and discovery of evidence of the operations of dog fighting. On July 2, 2007, agents of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed court documents describing a 5 year operation of an interstate dog fighting ring which called itself "Bad Newz Kennels", and had been based at Vick's property. The "Bad Newz" name is a local nickname for Newport News, Vick's hometown [1].
Vick, along with three others, were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17 for "conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in animal fighting venture".[2] [3] The 18 page federal indictment [4] outlines an extensive operation which included not only unlawful fighting, but violence against dogs which did not perform well including executions by electrocution, hanging, and shooting, and well as involving tens of thousands of dollars in gambling activity. The four face $350,000 in fines and six years in prison if convicted of the federal charges. The operation was allegedly based at Vick's 15-acre property near Smithfield, Virginia, valued at over $700,000, which could conceivably be forfeited to the government, as the indictment also puts them on notice that the government intends to take possession of property used in the illegal operations and any proceeds.
Possible additional state charges are still under investigation. Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter and Sheriff Harold D. Brown said they are continuing to cooperate with federal authorities and that they were taken aback by the level of detail in the federal indictments issued on July 17, especially mention of dogs allegedly being executed by hanging, drowning and electrocution. Brown stated on July 24 that he felt certain state indictments would be returned by the Surry County grand jury during its September session.
In the early 21st century, police and animal control law enforcement task forces of primarily local and state authorities have been formed in many parts of the country to combat dog fighting in the United States, a highly illegal and controversial criminal activity. Not only objectionable to animal rights interests, it has been linked to many other crimes and social problems. Even within a normally brutal activity, the extreme violence alleged to have been perpetrated directly by Vick himself and his codefendents in the Bad Newz Kennels case has drawn extensive negative publicity and expressions of public outrage.
On July 23, after days of public statements, protests, and demands for suspension of Vick from NFL play pending the resolution of the pending criminal charges, including a request by U.S. Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, (the 2004 Democratic Party's presidential nominee), NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Vick and ordered him not to report to the Falcons training camp.[5] Goodell said in a letter to the quarterback: "While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy." [6]
During the furor arising around the Bad Newz Kennels investigation and prosecutions, even such diverse notables as hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and the Reverend Al Sharpton joined with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals {PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in calling for strong stands against animal cruelty, jointly stating:
"Today, we sound a clarion call to all people: Stand up for what is right, and speak out against what is wrong. Dogfighting is unacceptable. Hurting animals for human pleasure or gain is despicable. Cruelty is just plain wrong." [7]
On July 26, detention hearings and arraignments were held for the four defendents. After receiving "Not Guilty" pleas, a November 26 trial date was set for all four. USA Today reported that Vick was released without bond, but among the pre-trial conditions imposed on Vick was that he surrender any dog breeding or kennel licenses he may have. All defendants were required to be under active supervision of the court, surrender their passports, and stay away from dogs, guns, and each other. Peace, Phillips and Taylor must undergo random drug tests, but not Vick, as he has no prior convictions. Two of Vick's co-defendants were also required to submit to electronic monitoring via ankle bracelets. [8] [9]
Contents[hide]
1 Initial searches
2 Vick's response
3 Business associates in kennel business at Surry County property
4 Local investigation, April 25 search challenged by cousin
5 Federal investigation assisted by state police revealed
6 New federal dog fighting laws, recent investigations elsewhere also
7 Federal court filings and additional search
8 Status of investigations
8.1 Federal, indictments
8.2 Local (State)
9 Timeline
10 See also
11 References
//
[edit] Initial searches
Beginning on April 25, 2007, a large house and surrounding 15-acre property Michael Vick owned in rural Surry County, Virginia where his 26-year old cousin Davon T. Boddie had been residing became part of a continuing police investigation for possible operation of an illegal dog fighting ring. The action came after police executing a search warrant following two narcotics arrests of Boddie within a week in the Virginia Peninsula cities of Newport News and Hampton (each about 20 miles away from the Surry County property) earlier in April. Boddie had given the address of Vick's property in Surry County as his home address when arrested. Earlier, in February 2007, Boddie was convicted in the City of Norfolk of disorderly conduct. At that time, he was carrying a Georgia driver's license giving his address as house in Duluth, Georgia which was once owned by Vick. [10]
According to ESPN, during the April 25 narcotics-related search of Vick's home and property at 1915 Moonlight Drive in the southeastern portion of Surry County, police discovered a large number of animals, and evidence which they felt indicated dog fighting.[11] They called animal-control officers, who saw what they said was evidence that dogfights had taken place there. Police obtained another search warrant[12], and, with the help of animal control officials from several localities, removed 66 dogs, 55 of them pit bulls, and seized equipment and some physical evidence that could be associated with dog fighting.[11] WAVY-TV reported that detectives also seized guns, illegal ammunition magazines, suspected marijuana and paperwork on dog fighting.[13]
[edit] Vick's response
In late April, Vick told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "I'm never at the house...I left the house with my family...They just haven't been doing the right thing... It's unfortunate I have to take the heat behind it. If I'm not there, I don't know whats going on"[13]
[edit] Business associates in kennel business at Surry County property
In the following several months, various media sources revealed that Vick has close ties and business relationships with three other men who are apparently not his relatives, but were involved with the Surry County property and/or his activities with pit bulls prior to April 25. Tony Taylor, Quanis L. Phillips, and Charles W. Reamon, Jr. Both Taylor and Phillips have had drug-related brushes with the law; Reamon has had multiple firearms incidents.
A business named "Vicks' K9 Kennels" apparently operated from the Vick property. The web site said it bred pit bulls but "was not involved with dogfighting." That website, no longer active, was linked to MV7 LLC, a company affiliated with Vick (7 is Vick's uniform number with the Falcons). [14]
Tony Taylor was listed as the registered agent for MV7 LLC when it organized in June 2002 at the Moonlight Road address.[15] ESPN reported that the Treasurer of Surry County had issued a license which was valid in April for a kennel and for the breeding of dogs on Vick's property to Tony Taylor. Taylor was arrested in Newport News on a cocaine possession charge in 1996; it was dismissed after he completed a substance-abuse program and following one year of good behavior.[14] In 2000, a City of Suffolk judge issued bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear on charges of reckless driving and driving on suspended license. In 2004, a veterinary clinic in Smithfield obtained a $145.50 civil judgment against Taylor in Isle of Wight County General District Court.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution identified Phillips, who played football with Vick in high school in Newport News, as one of Vick's employees with MV7 LLC.[16] On the now-defunct website, Phillips was listed as the person to contact about purchasing dogs. His criminal background includes a 1997 arrest for possession of stolen property and a guilty plea in 1999 to misdemeanor possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In October 2000, he was convicted in Newport News of violating drug control act, sentenced to one month in jail and fined, and also convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to five days in jail. In May 2001, he was convicted in Newport News of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and fined.[17][10]
The third man, Charles W. ("C.J.") Reamon, Jr., is the nephew of Vick's former high school coach, Tommy Reamon. It was reported that in January 2006 he paid the $50 fee to renew the Moonlight Road kennel license which is listed in Taylor's name with Surry County. Reamon's uncle, Tommy Reamon, who coached Vick during his high school football career in Newport News, described his nephew as "a good boy who works for Vick." Coach Reamon has recently accused the news media of "trying to destroy" Vick, which Newport News Daily Press columnist David Teel described as a "tired, transparent and bogus claim." [18]
"C.J." Reamon has three convictions related to illegal firearms or airport security, including being caught for lying about his criminal record when he was employed in security work at Norfolk International Airport (discovered during a "sting" investigation), and an incident in August 2006 when he was caught carrying a loaded .357 SIG Glock into the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport terminal. In February 2007, "C.J." Reamon and Vick were together when Vick was charged with a minor fishing boat sticker violation in Norfolk's Western Branch Reservoir by a Virginia game warden.[14]
ESPN reported that, very shortly after the initial raid in late April, Vick "threw Taylor off the Surry property" and listed it with real estate agents for sale. The 15-acre property includes a large brick house painted white, a small swimming pool, and a basketball court. Four outbuildings painted black are located in the woods. It was reported by the local news media as under a sales contract for approximately 50% of its assessed value with a day or so of listing. However, according to published reports, as of July 6 no transfer papers had been filed with the county clerk where deeds are recorded. [19] [20]
[edit] Local investigation, April 25 search challenged by cousin
During the subsequent weeks, Surry County Sheriff Harold D. Brown and Commonwealth's Attorney (local prosecutor) Gerald G. Poindexter, repeatedly responded to media inquiries with assurances that they were proceeding carefully with the investigation and any prosecutions and that any one "whoever they are" who evidence indicates had acted unlawfully will be charged. According to the Code of Virginia (3.1-796.124), illegal activities relating to dog fighting (or supporting it) are felony offenses under Virginia laws.[21] Other Virginia criminal statutes also prohibit gambling, which has also been alleged against Vick by a ESPN source who claimed to have seen Vick bet as much as $40,000 on the outcome of a single dog fight. On May 31, when asked by a news reporter for WAVY-TV whether there was evidence that placed Vick at dog fights, Poindexter replied "Yes". [22]
On June 7, Boddie, who had recently moved from Surry County to Newport News, conducted interviews with news reporters from local television stations and the Newport News Daily Press newspaper in front of the nightclub in Hampton where one of his arrests had taken place. He alleged a conspiracy by authorities dating from 2001, claiming the amount of marijuana he admits having on April 20 was not justification for the search warrant of his Surry County residence, an opinion local prosecutors from several different jurisdictions took strong exception to, according to the Daily Press on June 8. Boddie accused authorities of being dishonest regarding the quantity of drugs he had and whether he was in possession of a firearm when arrested on April 20, claiming that the authorities will do anything to make "him and his peeps [people] look bad."
[edit] Federal investigation assisted by state police revealed
Following weeks of increasing reports in the news media of Vick’s involvement and new evidence and witnesses reportedly coming forward to authorities, according to USA Today, on June 7, federal authorities, assisted by the Virginia State Police, revealed their own investigation, and began an additional search of the property. Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Poindexter told USA Today that an official of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of the Inspector General notifying him by telephone about 3 PM EDT on June 7 also advised him that the local authorities were free to continue their own ongoing investigation. News media reports on WAVY-TV at 11 PM that evening placed Poindexter at the Vick home and property, apparently observing the search. Federal authorities, assisted by Virginia State Police, conducted an additional search on July 6, as reported by multiple news media sources. Federal and state police officials had not issued any public statements as of that time.
[edit] New federal dog fighting laws, recent investigations elsewhere also
Main article: Dog fighting in the United States
A story in the New York Daily News published on June 10 stated "dog fighting is a multi-million-dollar industry that is part of an underground subculture that holds its events in secret locations. It is extremely difficult for authorities to prove who has dogs for fighting purposes." Regarding dog fighting, which is unlawful in the United States, according to an attorney for the Humane Society, if convicted under the Virginia laws, Vick could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $2,500 on each count. In June, a circuit court judge in Richmond, Virginia imposed a four-year prison sentence and $20,000 in fines on a convicted dog fighter in an unrelated case. [23] The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, a new federal law, was enacted by the U.S. Congress earlier in 2007 and signed by President George W. Bush on May 3, making organizing a dog fight a felony. Using the provisions of the new law, which took effect immediately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is pursuing similar cases elsewhere with considerable support from humane societies and local police departments. The law provides a penalty of up to three years of jail time and up to a $250,000 fine for each offense of interstate or foreign transport of animals for fighting purposes. [24] [25]
In March 2007, a combined federal, state and local law enforcement team disrupted a large dog fighting network in Dayton, Ohio which was operating in Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan. That investigation had lasted a year. More than two dozen arrests were made and more than 60 dogs were seized. In May, 7 persons in Ohio submitted guilty pleas to state charges. Sentencing was pending at the time of a USDA news release in June 2007. [26] [27]
[edit] Federal court filings and additional search
Documents filed in federal court in Richmond on July 2 and obtained by the Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act outline an extensive multi-state dog fighting enterprise named "Bad Newz Kennels" which was allegedly operating from the Vick property since at least 2002. For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states. At least three people are expected to be indicted. On July 7, the Fredericksburg Free-Lance newspaper based in Fredericksburg, Virginia noted that on Vick's website, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, "a.k.a. BadNews."[28] The same day, The Atlanta Constitution noted that the Urban Dictionary lists Bad Newz as the street name for Newport News. [29] WAVY-TV (Portsmouth, VA) posted a copy of one of the federal court document from July 2, and has made it available online at WAVY-TV online copy of July 2 document obtained under Freedom of Information request about the "Bad Newz Kennels" interstate dog fighting investigation.
[edit] Status of investigations
[edit] Federal, indictments
The court filings of July 2 allege that Vick's property was used as the "main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved in the dog fighting venture." A source close to the investigation told ESPN's Len Pasquarelli that the events of Friday [July 6] were "very helpful in the overall and ongoing investigation into an alleged dogfighting ring at that property. ... Remember, this is an investigation into what has been considered an enterprise involving many people... From our standpoint, it never has focused on an individual and it still doesn't." [30]
On July 17, a federal grand jury indicted Vick and 3 others on multiple counts, stating that Vick and co-defendants Pernell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor spent six years "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting in an animal fighting venture." Specific allegations of cruelty made in the July 17 indictment, and speculation about how the case might affect Vick's football career, are discussed in some detail in George Dohrmann's Sports Illustrated column. [31]
The grand jury also charged the men with establishing a kennel to represent dogfighting competitions, purchase and train pitbulls in dogfighting competitions and "destroying or otherwise disposing of dogs not selected to stay with the ongoing animal fighting venture." Vick faces $350,000 in fines and six years in prison if convicted of the federal charges. [32] The indictment also puts the defendants on notice that the government intends to take possession of any property and proceeds used in the operation.
[edit] Local (State)
According to an ESPN attorney, under Virginia law, Vick can be prosecuted if the authorities can show that he was "aware" of dogfighting activities on his property. According to that attorney, "If it is proved that the fighting took place, it will be difficult for Vick to persuade anyone that he didn't know about it."[33] According to other news media reports, Surry County investigators have spoken to as many as 30 people. Sheriff's Department Deputy W.R. Brinkman, the lead local investigator, said he has more people to talk to. Sheriff Harold D. Brown stated in an interview published on June 28 ..."we need to find out, if he's one of the big players or not." The county grand jury, the group which would typically consider felony indictments presented by a local prosecutor under state laws, is scheduled for a regular session to begin on July 24. Brown said they "possibly might be looking at something" when the county's grand jury meets July 24."[34]
Following the federal indictments of July 17, local authorities in Surry said they could possibly prosecute different crimes than those charged in the federal indictment. Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter and Sheriff Harold D. Brown said they are continuing to cooperate with federal authorities. Both Brown and Poindexter told news media that they were taken aback by the level of detail in the indictments, especially mention of dogs allegedly being executed by hanging, drowning and electrocution. "That's revealing to me. I didn't know anything about that," said Poindexter, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. [35]
[edit] Timeline
2007
April 20 - Vick's cousin, Davon T. Boddie, 26, is arrested for narcotics in Hampton on charges of distribution of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute outside a nightclub. He gave Vick’s property address in Surry County as his residence.[14]
April 25 - Police conducted a search of home and land at 1915 Moonlight Road in southeastern Surry County. In the area of the outbuildings that law enforcement officials discovered evidence of a possible dog fighting operation. Potential evidence included blood splatters on the second floor of one of the outbuildings, dog treadmills and scales, a pry bar used to open a dog's mouth and a rape stand used for breeding.[19] With the help of animal control officials from several localities called to the scene, they removed 66 dogs, 55 of them pit bulls, and seized equipment and some physical evidence. [11]
April 27 - ESPN reports that, even though Vick denies this, neighbors have reported seeing Vick in town from time to time and clerks at a nearby store have reported Vick buying nutritional supplies for dogs.[36] Authorities told the news media that, although some equipment could be used in legitimate dog-breeding, there also was a "pry bar" used to pry apart a dog's jaws in dog fighting, and bloodstained carpeting on the floor of a room inside the home above the garage.[11]
Appearing at a news conference to announce his participation in the NFL Quarterback Challenge, Vick described himself as an unwitting victim of family. [37]
Late April/early May - Vick listed the house and property with a real estate brokerage at approximately 50% of the assessed value. Within a few days, the house was under a sales contract.[38] As of June 8, no sale had been made official, according to the county clerk's office where deeds and transfers of real estate are recorded.[19]
May 3 - The Humane Society of the United States called upon the NFL in a letter to take a serious look at the problem of players' involvement with dog fighting. [39]
May 24 - Poindexter said he still didn't have solid evidence linking Vick to dog fighting because there were no eyewitnesses who say they saw dog fighting at the home.[40] He said he was proceeding very carefully with this case; Poindexter had another dog fighting case a few years back and lost it because of an illegal search.
May 25 - Poindexter said he was confident charges will be brought in the case but can't yet say who will be charged.[11]
May 27 - ESPN reported that a confidential source, identified as a man who has been involved in dog fighting for over 30 years, claimed that Vick was one of the "heavyweights" in the dog fighting world, and was poised to tell ESPN's Outside the Lines about the time in 2000 when his dog squared off against a dog owned by Vick.[41] The man claimed that Vick would bet large dollar amounts on fights, up to $40,000.
May 31 - Poindexter told ESPN that he recently received a call from a person he deemed credible and that the informant gave him information regarding the ongoing investigation. "We have people who are volunteering to make those allegations," Poindexter said. Asked whether there was evidence that placed Vick at dog fights, Poindexter said, "Yes...If he did anything, he won't get away with it, if we can prove it. But it's not easy," Poindexter said. ..."we're moving carefully, slowly...to build a strong case."[22]
In the same news item, it was reported that ESPN's sources, said to be close to law enforcement, cautioned that, based on the current evidence, it might be difficult to successfully prosecute Vick. "There is probably enough there to bring a bill [of indictment]," one source said, "but how some of [the evidence] would play out at trial, or if it even reached a trial ... I just don't know. These kinds of prosecutions are tough. There are some holes, definitely, and that's why [investigators] are digging for more information. You want more than just smoke. You're always looking for the smoking gun."[22]
June 6 - Newport News Daily Press newspaper reported that Sheriff H.D. Brown had an investigator (deputy) interviewing additional witnesses who had come forward and determination of credibility was in progress. Brown, a 28 year veteran of law enforcement in Surry County, 16 years as sheriff, repeated prior statements that he felt pressure to rush, but "doing it right" was his priority.[42]
June 7 - Boddie states in interviews with television and newspaper reporters that he was the victim of a conspiracy by authorities, and that his fourth amendment rights were violated by the search of the Surry property after his arrest on April 20 in Hampton (and another several days earlier in Newport News) because of the smaller amount of drugs he admits having [than claimed by authorities].[43] Speaking to the Newport News Daily Press, Boddie also apologized for his role in the dog fighting investigation.[44] Boddie wants NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to know it was his fault, not his cousin's, for everything going on at the Surry County home. "I want him to know that everything going on is really my fault," Boddie told the paper. "They're just making Michael look like something he's not. I want to apologize to Atlanta Falcons fans for what's going on. It's a lot of drama."
The same day, USA Today and WAVY-TV each reported the federal officials and Virginia State Police were executing a federal search warrant at the Surry County property, apparently seeking the buried bodies of dogs which may have been killed during dog fighting activities.[44]
June 8 - Poindexter said he was "absolutely floored" that federal officials got involved, and that he believes he and Sheriff Brown handled the investigation properly.[44] "What is foreign to me is the federal government getting into a dogfighting case," Poindexter said. "I know it's been done, but what's driving this? Is it this boy's celebrity? Would they have done this if it wasn't Michael Vick?" He went on to say "There's a larger thing here, and it has nothing to do with any breach of protocol." "There's something awful going on here. I don't know if it's racial. I don't know what it is."
Also on June 8, Boddie interview of June 7 published in Daily Press alleges he thinks conspiracy by authorities may date to when Vick's house was built in 2001. In the same article, local prosecutors from several jurisdictions disagreed with Boddie's contention that a smaller amount of marijuana he alleges he had during his April 20 arrest would have invalidated the search warrant executed on April 25. Boddie indicated that he had retained an attorney. However, no attorney appeared to be present as he admitted to reporters from the news media (television and print) his possession of narcotics, pledged his loyalty to cousin Vick, who he stated he has not recently spoken with directly, and denied any knowledge of the 66 dogs found at his home, with the exception of his French poodle.[45]
Contacted by the Daily Press, Hampton Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Anton Bell stated that dog fighting evidence turned up during the search following the narcotics arrest was obtained legitimately, a position Surry County prosecutor Poindexter had earlier taken.[45]
June 15 - ESPN reports that the case investigation involving Vick’s property in Virginia is one of many investigations currently underway around the United States by the agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) using a new federal law enacted by the U.S. Congress earlier in 2007 making organizing a dog fight a felony. The agency is pursuing similar cases elsewhere with considerable support from humane societies and local police departments. So far, that new law has been used less than a dozen times; according to the ESPN attorney, as the courts apply it, more precise definitions of "sponsoring" and "promoting" will develop. ."[46]
July 2 - Federal authorities file documents in U.S. District Court in Richmond outlining an alleged interstate dog fighting operation at the property owned by Vick, the Associated Press reported after filing an inquiry under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. Vick is not named in the documents, which listed the address of his property at 1915 Moonlight Road in Surry County as the ""main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved in the dog fighting venture," according to the filings, which also claims "For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states." It is also alleged that "members of 'Bad Newz Kennels' also sponsored and exhibited fights in other parts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey and other states," the filings said. Unlawful gambling was also described, AP reported. The winning dog would win from "100's up to 1,000's of dollars," and participants and spectators also would place bets on the fight.[47] The federal papers also state "If an admission fee was charged for a particular event, the proceeds were generally used to supplement the funding of the 'Bad Newz Kennels' kennel operation." [48]
July 6 - Federal authorities, assisted by the Virginia State Police, conduct an additional search of the Surry County location. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, WAVY-TV (Portsmouth) was observing from a news helicopter, and reported that fifteen vehicles were on the property, including a rental truck and a Virginia State Police evidence collections truck. In a video broadcast, investigators could be seen working under a blue tarp on a wooded portion of the property near the black-painted outbuildings. They were sifting dirt collected in white buckets and clearing brush.[49] Investigators removed more than 10 carcasses buried in shallow graves, a source close to the investigation said. "They found what they were looking for," he said.[50]
The same day, according to information gathered by the NFL and Atlanta Falcons, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Vick is unlikely to be indicted on federal charges as a result of the dog fighting investigation. The authorities have told the Falcons and league that there has not been any evidence that tied to Vick the alleged dog fighting ring, the sources said. The law enforcement authorities have privately told league and team officials that at least three people are expected to be indicted but the identities of those individuals were unknown.[51]
July 17 - Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips, Tony Taylor, and Michael Vick were indicted by a federal grand jury for "conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in animal fighting venture".[2][4] The federal grand jury alleged Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick spent six years "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting in an animal fighting venture." The grand jury also charged the men with establishing a kennel to represent dogfighting competitions, purchase and train pitbulls in dogfighting competitions and "destroying or otherwise disposing of dogs not selected to stay with the ongoing animal fighting venture." The four codefendants each faces $350,000 in fines and six years in prison if convicted of the federal charges. [52]
July 17 - The Humane Society of the United States called upon the NFL to suspend Vick under its disciplinary code. [53]
July 18 - The U.S. District Court in Richmond announced that Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton; and Michael Vick, 27, of Atlanta; have been ordered to appear in court on July 26 for a detention hearing and arraignment. [54]
July 19 - U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, 89, of West Virginia, a well-known dog lover, gave a passionate speech in the U.S. Senate about the practice of dog fighting in response to the Vick indictment.
“
Dog fighting is a brutal, sadistic event motivated by barbarism of the worst sort and cruelty of the worst, worst, worst sadistic kind. One is left wondering, who are real the animals...the creatures inside the ring, or the creatures outside the ring?
”
The same day, Nike announced it has suspended plans to release a fifth Vick signature shoe. However, it has not terminated its contract with the quarterback. [55]
July 20 - PETA staged protests outside the NFL headquarters in New York City calling for the firing of Michael Vick by the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL. More than 75 protesters attended, holding signs saying "NFL: Sack Vick" and chanting .[56]
The same day. Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts said he had sent a letter to Goodell calling for Vick to be suspended. He wrote:
“
"I urge you to treat this issue with the utmost seriousness as the case progresses. In light of the seriousness of the charges, I believe that Mr. Vick should be suspended from the League, effective immediately."
”
[57]
July 23 - About fifty people, organized by PETA, protest at the Atlanta Falcons training camp. The team had no comment on these protests, or others held recently at the NFL headquarters in New York City.[58]
Also on July 23, ESPN reported that Vick has retained the services of former federal prosecutor Billy Martin, an attorney with the Washington, D.C.-based legal firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP for his defense against the federal criminal charges. [59] Martin joined the firm in February 2007. His notable past clients have included NBA stars Allen Iverson and Jayson Williams, Monica Lewinsky's mother, and Chandra Levy's parents. [60] He also represented former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell on racketeering, bribery and wire fraud charges; Campbell was convicted of three counts of tax fraud, but acquitted on racketeering charges and taking thousands of dollars in bribes. [61]
Also on July 23, it was reported that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had sent Vick a letter ordering him not to report to the first Atlanta Falcons training camp.[5] Goodell said in a letter to the quarterback:
“
"While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy."
”
[62]
[edit] See also
National Football League player conduct controversy
Dog fighting in the United States
[edit] References
^ http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-vickindictment,0,7988632.story
^ a b Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe. ESPN (2007-07-17). Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/17/sportsline/main3067633.shtml
^ a b The Smoking Gun (2007-07-17). Sources: Vick and three others indicted in feds dogfighting investigation. The Smoking Gun. Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
^ a b
^ http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/23/vick.punishment.ap/index.html?cnn=yes.
^ http://www.localtechwire.com/sports/football/nfl/story/1608124/
^ http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/2007-07-26-vick-hearing_N.htm
^ http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/26/vick.dogfighting/index.html#cnnSTCText
^ a b Greg Moore (2007-05-30). If Vick Is Involved, How Many Others Are With Him?. BlackAthlete Sports Network. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ a b c d e Associated Press (2007-05-25). Prosecutor says dog fighting investigation at Vick's property 'moving forward'. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
^ Bill Geroux (2007-07-03). Dogfighting: The Vick case. inRich. Retrieved on 2007-07-05.
^ a b UPDATE - Vick claims no knowledge of situation on his property. WAVY-TV (2007-03-28). Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ a b c d Dave Forster, Bill Burke and Kyle Tucker (2007-05-26). Conflicting images. The Roanoke Times. Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ Dave Forster and Bill Burke (2007-05-12). Vick sells Surry property involved in dog-fighting investigation. PilotOnline.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ 'That's my shoe'. 'That's my shoe'. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ Mark Maske and Sara Kehaulani (2005-03-13). A Commonplace Case Complicated by Fame. The Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ David Teel (2007-06-11). Vick Case: Silence is Golden. The Daily Press. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
^ a b c Ohm Youngmisuk (2007-06-10). Dog daze. NY Daily News. Retrieved on 2007-06-25.
^ '7-state dogfight center detailed'. [http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/07/06/0706vick.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab '7-state dogfight center detailed ']. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on 2007-07-08.
^ § 3.1-796.124. Dogfighting; penalty.. Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ a b c Len Pasquarelli (2007-05-31). Source: Vick probe receiving increased attention from feds. ESPN.
^ The growth of dogfighting. inRich (2007-07-03). Retrieved on 2007-07-05.
^ Lester Munson (2007-06-15). Federal involvement is not good news for Vick. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ http://www.nhes.org/articles.asp?article_id=476§ion_id=83
^ http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/massive_law_enforcement_raid.html
^ http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/InvPosting070601.pdf
^ Hank Kurz Jr. and Michael Felberbaum (2007-07-07). Charges Coming In Surry Federal Officials Allege Dogfighting At Vick's Former Property, But The Falcon Is Not Named In Court Papers. Fredericksburg.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ '7-state dogfight center detailed'. [http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/07/06/0706vick.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab '7-state dogfight center detailed ']. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on 2007-07-08.
^ http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2928795
^ http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/17/dohrmann.vick/index.html?cnn=yes
^ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/17/sportsline/main3067633.shtml
^ Lester Munson (2007-06-15). Federal involvement is not good news for Vick. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ Dave Forster (2007-06-18). Surry prepares for grand jury hearing into dogfighting. PilotOnline.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-18-0200.html
^ Interview with lead reporter investigating the Dog angle in Virginia
^ Associated Press (2007-04-27). Vick blames family for neglected dogs at Virginia home. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-05-22.
^ UPDATE: Surry County Commonwealth Attorney denies evidence in Michael Vick investigation. WAVY (2007-05-12). Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/nfl_animal_fighting.html
^ Associated Press (2007-05-24). Prosecutor lacks solid evidence to charge Vick. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
^ Kelly Naqi (2007-05-27). Source: Vick 'one of the heavyweights' in dogfighting. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-05-27.
^ Veronica Gorley Chufo (2007-06-06). Surry sheriff awaits more dogfighting info. Daily Press, Newport News, VA. Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ WAVY News 10 (2007-06-07). Exclusive interview with Devon Boddie. WAVY-TV. Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ a b c ESPN.com news services (2007-06-08). Federal agents serve search warrant at Vick home. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ a b Veronica Gorley Chufo (2007-06-08). Probe called 'a conspiracy'. Daily Press, Newport News, VA. Retrieved on 2007-06-08.
^ Lester Munson (2007-06-15). Federal involvement is not good news for Vick. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ Hank Kurz Jr. and Michael Felberbaum (2007-07-06). Feds Detail Dogfighting on Vick Property. Forbes. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ http://profootballtalk.com/VickInvestigation.htm
^ Hank Kurz Jr. (2007-07-06). U.S. investigators return to Vick's Va. property. inRich. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
^ Dave Forster (2007-07-07). Feds detail alleged dogfighting at Vick property in Surry. PilotOnline.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
^ ESPN.com news services (2007-07-06). Sources: Vick unlikely to be indicted in feds dogfighting investigation. ESPN. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
^ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/17/sportsline/main3067633.shtml
^ http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/vick_indicted_071707.html ,
^ http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-18-0200.html
^ http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2942391
^ http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/2007/07/20/2007-07-20_the_blitz_is_on_vick.html
^ http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=3b01334d-087f-4a77-ad6d-b8147659bb0a
^ Protesters begin anti-Vick demonstrations at Falcons camp
^ ESPN
^ http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/campbelltrial/theplayers.html#martin
^ http://www.ajc.com/atlanta/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/07/13/campbell_0713.html
^ http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/23/vick.punishment.ap/index.html?cnn=yes.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Newz_Kennels_dog_fighting_investigation"
Ron Mexico
http://alt.cimedia.com/ajc/pdf/vick0717.pdf
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