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| Federal prosecutors filed a document earlier this month that detailed a dogfighting operation known as "Bad Newz Kennels" run out of Vick's Surry County property at 1915 Moonlight Road.
(The Virginian-Pilot file photo) |
By Dave Forster
The Virginian-Pilot
A federal grand jury indicted NFL star Michael Vick on Tuesday on a conspiracy charge that says he helped create an interstate dogfighting operation that grew to sponsor bouts worth more than $20,000 and involved the execution of underperforming dogs.
Three other men were charged along with Vick, a Newport News native who excelled at Virginia Tech before leaving early in 2001 and eventually signing the NFL’s most lucrative contract.
The conspiracy allegations, outlined in an 18-page indictment in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Virginia, accuses the group of crossing state lines to gamble on fights and hosting matches with dog owners from as far away as Texas and New York.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A lesser animal-fighting portion of the charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The indictment says Vick, 27, and two co-defendants executed about eight dogs in April after the animals fared poorly in “testing” sessions at 1915 Moonlight Road, a 15-acre property that Vick bought in 2001. The killings were done by hanging, drowning and “slamming at least one dog’s body to the ground,” the indictment says.
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Local authorities began investigating the Vick property in late April when a search for drugs there uncovered more than 50 pit bulls and items associated with dog fighting.
The initial search was prompted by the arrest of Vick’s cousin Davon Boddie on a marijuana possession charge in Hampton. Boddie gave police the 1915 Moonlight Road home as his address. Boddie was not indicted Tuesday.
Vick’s attorney, Lawrence Woodward, said he had been in contact with Vick but would not discuss their conversation about the federal charge.
“My client’s going to defend himself in court,” Woodward said. He said the court will schedule a hearing in the case, but that one had not been set by Tuesday evening.
A woman who spoke through an intercom at Vick’s mother’s home in northern Suffolk said the family had no comment.
Vick vaulted from his high school career on the Peninsula to quickly help elevate Virginia Tech into greater national football prominence. He led the Hokies to a 22-1 record in his two seasons as a starter and helped take the 1999 team to the national title game. He has made the Pro Bowl three times in the NFL.
An NFL spokesman called the activities alleged in the indictment “cruel, degrading and illegal.”
“We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him,” said the spokesman, Brian McCarthy . However, “Michael Vick’s guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.”
Also indicted Tuesday were:
At least four unnamed “cooperating witnesses” provided much of the detail in the indictment.
The document says Vick, Phillips, Taylor and Peace decided to start a pit-bull-fighting venture in early 2001. In or around May of that year, it says, Taylor identified the rural 1915 Moonlight Road property as a “suitable” location for housing and training pit bulls to fight.
That spring, the Atlanta Falcons selected Vick with the No. 1 draft pick. They signed him to a six-year, $62 million deal on May 9, 2001.
In late June, Vick bought the property that Taylor had picked for their dogs, according to the indictment. From then on, the defendants used the land as the main staging area for their operation, the indictment says.
The men bought dogs in Richmond and Williamsburg as well as North Carolina and New York, the indictment says.
They established a dogfighting business enterprise called “Bad Newz Kennels” and built fences, sheds, a house and kennels specifically for the business, the indictment says. After testing the dogs in fights, Peace, Phillips and Taylor shot or electrocuted those that did not perform well. In one case, the indictment says, Peace consulted with Vick about a dog’s fate, then poured water on the dog and electrocuted it.
The fights from 2002 through 2005 involved bets as high as $13,000 per side, the indictment says. In March 2003, Vick went to a vehicle and retrieved a bookbag holding about $23,000 in cash, and gave it to one of the cooperating witnesses as payment for winning two matches, the indictment says.
Among the possessions found on the property in April 2007 , according to the indictment: 54 pit bulls; a breeding stand with restraints for aggressive dogs; and treadmills used to condition fighting dogs.
The Atlanta Falcons released a statement that apologized to fans and the community that one of its players “is being presented to the public in a negative way.”
“Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia,” the statement says. “However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out.”
Surry County officials have not filed charges in the case, but Sheriff Harold Brown had pointed toward a regularly scheduled grand jury meeting next Tuesday as a possible date for charges. Brown said Monday that he expected the local investigation to be finished by the end of this week.
Surry County’s prosecutor, Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerald Poindexter, did not return repeated calls to his home and cell phone seeking comment on the federal indictment.
James Johnson, a mentor of Vick’s since their days together at the Newport News Boys and Girls Club, said he was shocked to learn of the indictment.
“I had high hopes that it wouldn’t come to this,” Johnson said.
Staff writers Linda McNatt, Jim Ducibella, Christina Nuckols and Tom White contributed to this report .
Dave Forster, (757) 222-5563,
Background: Feds detail alleged dogfighting at Vick property in Surry
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Punishment
I am no Vick fan, nor a Falcons fan, but I am a fan of fairness and equality under the law. If a law enforcement officer is even suspected of straying from the straight and narrow path, they are suspended while under investigation, sometimes with pay, sometimes without. So, Mr. Vick, the icon and ideal of youth, should be suspended from the NFL until his trial is concluded.
Logic
Again...concern for animal welfare does not negate or exclude concern for human welfare. Additionally, who is to say animals do not have souls?
Let's keep the issue focused on the legal process and weight of evidence.
A Shock For A Shock
To all of you willing to give this dirtbag the benefit of the doubt, just remember, OJ wasn't found guilty, but that doesn't change the fact that he brutally murdered two people. Maybe dogs don't have souls, oh, and not all violent criminals are male either by the way, but what if Vick and the others were to be dropped into the pit with one of these dogs, pulled out before they die, hosed down, shocked, but stop before they die, hung, but cut him down before they die, then slammed on the ground, but stop before they die and then be told they're free to go. Do you think they would look at these dogs as merely creatures without a soul then?
The Longest Yard #3
They are already writing the script for the next movie. Guess who is going to be the QB this time.
"Life is Hard but it is even harder when your stupid"
michael vick
I do feel that these comments should not be until he is found guilty. I also feel that he has made alot of people mad and this is pay back time for him. It could very well be a frame job. I know the Good Lord will handle this. I will keep him in my prayers. Everyone makes mistakes, but, I don't believe we should find him guilty before court. If his relatives were doing the fights and killing they should be punished. How did he have time to do all that with the fights and play and practice at the same time? It makes me wonder.
Innocent until proven guilty
Whatever happened to that great "American" concept? Let Michael Vick have his turn at due process before he is tarred and feathered. I couldn't believe that comments on here, people, get a grip. Put your outrage and thoughts on things more constructive until all the facts are known.
I for one was more horrified that a plea agreement was given to a convicted child murderer and molester, who we know was guilty, and will be released after just three years. Where's the dismay and outrage for that story? Maybe if the little girl he killed was a dog (and I do love dogs and believe that they shouldn't be mistreated) we would have cared a little more. I'm disgusted!
Race Card
I love that people are pulling the race card (sarcarsm) since we all know this is about him being a wealthy black man instead of him commenting a felony and breaking the law!
Keep your hate-filled comments to yourself
First off, religion here is invalid. The question isn't whether dogs have souls or if they go to heaven and hell (if I go to heaven, I hope there are dogs there. Otherwise send me wherever the dogs go). It's about cruelty to something living. The man tortured these animals for sport. He's sick, and he needs to be stuck in jail for it.
People always want to stir up a race issue when it comes to stuff like this. Because, you know, Michael Jordan has to deal with this every year. Tiger Woods is always in jail. Man, when are they gonna free Oprah? Ridiculous. We're not talking about a rich black man. We're talking about a borderline retarded individual who just happens a decent QB. He's not intelligent at all, and it's obvious by his actions.
God made all creatures
on this planet, and we were placed here to help take care of this world and all it's inhabitants (which we are doing a poor job of). Do you really think that God won't punish those that abuse His creatures? If you don't, then you've got another thing coming. It is well documented that murderers and abusers started out with animals and continues from there, so again, if you don't think it's a problem, you've got alot to learn. And for this really old and boring race card issue, enough is enough. Have you actually read the indictment? The things in it are terrible. If Vick really had anything to do with this, may he rot in hell.
Hypocrisy at large!
Ironically, Pitt Bulls kill and maim the innocent every day. Little children mauled beyond recognition, pets mutilated, actual deaths are are not the least bit uncommon. Many of the owners of these monsters get off Scott fee. However when someone uses the dog for what it was actually bred for, he may serve time. Since this breed of animal has become more popular with street gangs, and macho pet owners, nothing but tragedy prevails. We need to get in step with other countries and Ban the Pitt in the United States. The idea that this country will allow another child to be mauled again is more of a crime than what Vick is accused of.
The man has to be proven guilty first
This world is so backwards. We are so concerned about some dogs which dont even have a soul at all and will not be going to heaven or hell. People are out hear killing other humans every day and they never get this type of publicity or hate messages about how terrible they are. Did any of those dogs belong to you so why are yall so heartbroken get over it it only an animal. Worry about those people out here killing each other and beating up their wives and molesting little children and only spending 5 years in prison and then being released to live in this world. Focus on whats real and more important than trying to kill this man with hate letters of jealously directed towards a black man who is very wealthy and people dont like it.
Vick
I think if he is gulity they should put him away for a long time. And the Atlanta Falcons should be suspended from football for three years. Go Cleveland Browns !!
I agree with previous poster
Once a thug, always a thug. now he and his brother have something to talk about, maybe they can even start their own crime syndicate.
How about this...
Michael donated $10,000.00 towards the victims of the VT tragedy... wow! He bet more than that single dog fights. I guess in a strange way he does care for animals more than humans. Hokie nation should be proud of the Vick brodda's.
Not exatcly breaking news
Let me get this straight. One of the Vick brothers is again in trouble with the law. Another one of Beamer's thugs. Someone would have to be too stupid to be an idiot to not see this one coming. Those poor animals.
The news in Atlanta
I live in Atlanta and most of the sports radio stations are already convicting Vick. I don't really care about the Falcons but I do not think Vick should be scrutinized just because of allegations. It's going to come down to the ones involved and 1) Whether they go against Vick and 2) If they have concrete evidence to convict Vick. Given the past incidents that Vick has been involved with, he has pissed off a lot of people in Atlanta to the point of embarrassment. Unfortunately, it's becoming a race thing which has nothing to do with this at all. The real victims are the dogs and the sick way they were treated. Whoever is found guilty should serve the consequences. As for Atlanta, I would say that most people are fed up with him.
Black or white, it doesn't matter...
Anyone capable of the acts described in the indictment is a very sick person and should spend some serious time in jail and shock therapy. Vick wasn't targeted for investigation because of his race or high profile. He was targeted because he was involved with idiots who brought the police to the front door of his property where dog fighting took place. With the overwhelming evidence at hand, I would expect public outrage if there were no indictment. Anyone sick enough to electrocute a dog has little or no value to society and should be locked up or worse. What does it say about how they value human life if they can kill so many dogs so easily? I hope all of these vile scumbags do hard time for their crimes. No one is above the law!
Indictment charges are sickening
I read every page....its obvious he wasn't in it for the money given his wealth. I knew he was complicit when he wouldn't even come back to "check" on his property when it was raided. That's because he already knew what his property was being used for-he was there. It's going to be hard for him to shake conspiracy when it was he the paid for all the kennel buildings. What was he constructing all those buildings for - to hold his football equipment and trophies. Sorry Vick, but these are the feds, and unlike Surry Prosecutor Poindexter, they don't play. They have a 95% conviction rate.
Not a race issue
Reading some of your comments, there is no need to bring race in this, it's not the issue. Sure Vick is a high profile black athlete, this area has plenty of them, what's your point? I thought The federal government was concerned about terrorists, although heinous dogfighting is not terror! whites and blacks have been known to fight dogs, leave race out of this please!
Another Great Example
Thank you Mr. Vick. The position you find your self situation in is another great example I can share with my son. You see he's 17 and I'm continually telling him to choose his friends wisely. I tell him how easy it is to get into major trouble and how difficult it is to get out. I encourage him to always choose people who are doing positive things to associate himself with. Everytime one of you high profile guys get yourselves in messes it's another shining example for me to point to. Thank you!
The race card has run dry
So so pathetic that anytime someone of color has to face justice ,it turns into a racial argument. The man has been paid tens of millions of dollars ,yet somehow someone can find a tiny ray of racial bias. Pitiful and isgusting ,you only make yourselves look like a joke. I bet if he blew up a school bus full of children then he should be set free right ? Vick should have to face the same tortures that these innocent and unknowing dogs have faced ,just as any man should. You forget that he has been give multiple chance to obey the law ,and he has continuously disobeyed it , He has been given more chances and opportunity than any of us. So save that tired and pitiful argument for the dinner table.
Thank you feds, ASPCA, PeTA & rescue groups!
It sure seemed like the local agencies were trying their best to drag their feet and protect the image of the local sports "hero". We all owe a special thank you to the local animal welfare groups who wouldn't let this get swept under the rug and kept the pressure on the Federal agencies to enforce the laws that the locals were willing to turn a blind eye to.
How unfair...
Obvioulsy the ones that suffer most here are the poor dogs that were tortured and teased. Regardless of the outcome of Vick's indictment, the reality is that the dogs have, or will be euthanized because they cannot be put back into society after being trained to be fighters. I firmly believe that part of Vick's punishment should have been to maintain that property in Surry for the dogs. Even if they needed to be kept in 60 separate pens, they should have been fed their meals and been given love and exercise. We treat our prisoners in jails better than these dogs have - and will be - treated. It makes me sick. Vick should financially support these dogs...afterall, he chose to own them.
Who knows? But it looks pretty clear whats up.
I have to say that if he is guilty thats pretty sick. But unless he goes to jail why should the Falcons fire him? When Keith Richards said he snorted his dad's ashes did they kick him out of the Rolling Stones? IF and only IF he was in on this venture and profited from it should anything happen. Till then he can go back to being a running back who happens to throw the ball. But you would have to be pretty STUPID to risk 63million for illegal gambling. WHAT are you DOINg?!
Disappointed
As a proud member of the Hokie nation, and a loving dog owner, I am disgusted by this whole thing. I have always been one to come to Vick's defense when people put him down, but those days are over. When will these talented people stop making such poor decisions? I think the evidence is pretty clear and I hope that all three gentlemen, and anyone else involved, are punished to the fullest extent. A few rounds with some pit bulls would serve all involved well!
Doesn't look so good
A lot can be said about the character of a person by the type of people they associate with. Regardless of Vick's involvement, or plausible deniability, of the dog-fighting, a lot of questions on his character have been raised. I find it hard to believe that this operation could go on so long without his knowledge. How can someone own a house and be a licensed dog breeder and not know what was happening? That's what smells about the case. And on a side note, did anyone else see the news brief that 2 cats were found shot in Suffolk at a BK? May want to see if there was any cat fighting going on...
What you do to the least of me ...
I am so happy to see, finally, an indictment. My satisfaction has nothing to do with the fact that it is Michael Vick, et. al. I definitely do not care if he is black, rich and/or proud. Yes, he deserves his day in court. But if what has been stated in the indictment, based on the grand jury testimony of eye witnesses is true, he has nothing to be proud of. Everything he has ever accomplished in his life will amount to nothing if he participated in the hellish torture that these animals underwent. Forced to fight for hours; and then the losers shot, strangled, drowned, slammed to the ground or soaked with water and electrocuted. For entertainment. For money. This is the behaviour of a human being? The "better" species?
Stop being jealous haters
All you know is what you see on the news. and the news is all Entertainment. 20% truth and 80% exaggerated lies.. None of you were there so you dont know the truct
Nope, not Playin' any Card but the Justice Card
Please. And Vick is far from being a great QB - a glorified RB is more like it. Good riddance to a poor role model. How anyone can believe Vick didn't know what was going on in his own home is beyond me. What a load that excuse is.
Well, no, not really ...
"The rest of us" wouldn't have to pay the price for our actions until our actions were judged by a jury. And we wouldn't be "sick, sick, sick" until the jury said so. But Michael Vick happens to be black, rich and proud. In the south, we have a different set of rules for that circumstance. We just assume and get on with the hangin'. Unlike his brother, Vick's record has been pretty clean. The last time the locals tried to hang him was for the water bottle at the airport. Nothing came of that, and you have to wonder what will come of this. Vick may be guilty, and the crime is despicable, put could we give Vick his day in court before we tar and feather him? I know some want to return to the good ole days, but this mob's response is shameful.