A resident of Sale City, Georgia, was convicted on 69 federal charges related to dog fighting, drug manufacturing, and firearms possession. Dun Bradford was found guilty by a jury on December 16 after a two-day trial in front of Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. The charges include 67 counts of possessing dogs for use in animal fighting ventures, one count of manufacturing and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime. Bradford could face up to life in prison; sentencing will be set at a later date.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia stated: “The cruel and inhumane realities of dogfighting are closely linked to illegal drugs, firearms and other serious crimes. Our office will use every available resource alongside our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to dismantle dog fighting organizations and bring those responsible to justice. I am grateful to the concerned citizen who reported the abused dogs, whose tip ended a long-standing criminal operation gravely harming animals and the entire community.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson from the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said: “The defendant had extensive involvement in dog fighting and had garnered a reputation as a dog fighting breeder and trainer, which is an especially brutal pursuit. His conviction highlights local, state and federal law enforcement working together and applying our expertise and resources to rescue 67 abused dogs and get a notorious player out of the dog fighting criminal enterprise.”
U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn for the Middle District of Georgia commented: “This case demonstrates the good results achieved when local, state and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate to rescue dogs suffering at the hands of those involved in dog fighting and related crimes. The U.S. Marshals remain committed to supporting law enforcement in bringing those responsible for dog fighting to justice and ensuring that rescued canines are placed in protective custody, giving them a chance at a better life.”
Court documents show that authorities responded after receiving reports from citizens about animal neglect at Bradford’s property in Mitchell County. Law enforcement officers observed many pit bull-type dogs tethered outside with some showing aggression toward each other. Agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) along with U.S. Marshals executed search warrants on Bradford’s 17-acre property.
During their search, agents rescued 67 chained dogs—many without food, water or shelter—and found evidence consistent with organized dog fighting activities such as injuries on several animals as well as specialized equipment including veterinary drugs, steroids intended for horses, breeding stands used for forced breeding practices, training tools associated with fights or executions, pedigrees documenting fight histories among others.
Additionally, investigators discovered firearms inside Bradford’s home along with crack cocaine; evidence indicated that drugs were being manufactured onsite.
The investigation was led by USDA agents together with US Marshals Service personnel as well as officers from Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office & Code Enforcement Office—with support provided by Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Prosecution is being handled by Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy from DOJ’s Environmental Crimes Section alongside Criminal Chief Leah McEwen from U.S Attorney’s Office for Middle District Of Georgia.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative focused on combating violent crime through coordination between various agencies including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) & Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
