In Buffalo, New York, the ringleader of a major dog fighting operation was arrested over the weekend. Douglas Williams, 43, faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, permitting animal fighting on one’s premises and several other charges related to firearms and narcotics.
According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office press release, Williams was taken into custody after a traffic stop in Clarence; two American bull terriers were with him and believed to be on the way to his home in Buffalo. The Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit initiated an investigation after receiving reports of armed drug dealing and dogfighting occurring at his residence.
During a search of his home, authorities found five more dogs – all showing signs of severe abuse. The SPCA Serving Erie County is treating and caring for the dogs.
The sheriff’s SWAT team also recovered a loaded 9mm handgun, cocaine, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. The charges against Williams include:
• Criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell;
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance; and
• Criminal possession of a loaded firearm.
He was also charged with felony counts of:
• Aggravated cruelty to animals; and
• Permitting animal fighting on one’s premises.
In addition to the felony counts, he is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal use of drug paraphernalia.
Williams has been on parole for his involvement in a violent home invasion. He has a previous conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals and two separate federal convictions for firearm possession.
He was booked into the Erie County Holding Center and released on October 10, following his arraignment and posting $40,000.00 bail/bond.
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