Gecoby Penn, a 37-year-old resident of Monroeville, has been sentenced to two years in prison following his guilty plea to seventeen counts of possessing dogs for the purpose of participating in animal fighting ventures. The sentencing took place on Friday after Penn entered his guilty pleas on May 3, 2024.

Court documents reveal that the Monroe County Sheriff's Office received a tip-off about a dogfighting event hosted by Penn on July 27, 2023. The source reported multiple dog fights resulting in injuries to several dogs. Descriptions included lacerations on the dogs' bodies and severe wounds on one dog's head and face. On August 3, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Penn's property, seizing thirty-eight dogs. Twenty-one of these animals exhibited injuries or scarring indicative of dogfighting. The conditions were dire as the dogs were found tied up outside without shelter or water amid temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

The search also uncovered various items associated with dogfight conditioning and training, including modified treadmills, veterinary medications and syringes, weighted vests and collars, and canine remains. Bloodstains found on a wooden arena tested positive for canine DNA. Veterinary examination confirmed the remains belonged to canines. Unfortunately, twenty-two of the seized dogs had to be euthanized after receiving veterinary care.

Judge DuBose sentenced Penn to a 24-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release during which he is prohibited from owning or possessing any dogs. Additionally, Penn was ordered to pay $62,408.06 in restitution to the Monroe County Animal Shelter, $2,348 to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and $1,700 in special assessments.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Monroe County Sheriff's Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuting on behalf of the United States.