Two more charged in Halifax dog-fighting ring
Two more men were charged Wednesday in connection with an interstate dog-fighting ring that Halifax County deputies broke up early Sunday.
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Connell Samuel Stukes, 34, of Courtland, Va., and Carlton Hardy, 42, of Richmond, Va., were each charged with dog fighting.
Following a complaint of dog fighting near Enfield, deputies worked with county animal control officers and raided a farm off Bellamy's Mill Road early Sunday as a fight was in progress. About 20 people were at the fight, and most fled into nearby woods, authorities said.
Three pit bulls were seized, and a fourth was found Tuesday. One of the dogs, which was badly injured, was euthanized Monday.
Deputies also seized three handguns, marijuana and drug scales.
Investigators said the ring, which attracted participants and spectators from North Carolina and Virginia, might have been in operation for at least a year, noting that they discovered several dog skeletons on the property.
Nine men were charged Sunday with dog fighting:
Charles Rives, 26, and Corey Sledge, 21, both of Whitakers; William Harris, 33, Ervin Brothers, 30, and Vernon Perry, 42, all of Elizabeth City; Scott Murphy, 28, of Corapeake; and Osaze Addae, 35, Richard Robinson, 32, and Anthony Wright, 33, all of Richmond, Va.
Rives also was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana, and Wright also was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and altering a serial number on a weapon.
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