2 South Jersey Men Charged With Running a Dog Fighting Ring

Two South Jersey men have been charged with being part of a multi-state dog-fighting ring, according to the U.S. Attorney General's Office. The charges are graphic and downright awful, including hanging some of the dogs.

Two Men From South Jersey Played a Role in a Mutl-State Dog Fighting Ring

According to court documents, Tommy, aka “Snakes,” Watson, 43, of Clayton, and Johnnie Lee, aka “Johnny,” Nelson, 34, of Bridgeton, were charged with possessing and training a dog for dog-fighting ventures from August 2017 to March 2019.

What Did The South Jersey Men Do With the Dogs?

Federal authorities say Watson and others conducted a dog-fighting operation known as “From Da Bottom Kennels,” which posted bloodline information of fighting dogs owned by the kennel on the dog fighting website “Peds Online.”

They also used the “DMV Board” to send videos of live dog fights, of training dogs for fights, and of the killing of underperforming fighting dogs, including by hanging.

Watson Faces a Separate Dog-Fighting Charge

In a separate Animal Welfare Act charge,  Watson was charged with fighting two pit bull-type dogs in dog fights on December 2, 2018.

Watson Also Brought a Dog Named Rambo to a Fight

Authorities say he brought a third dog, Rambo, along with do-it-yourself veterinary equipment, such as a skin stapler, to a location on Center Road in Upper Deerfield Township for a dog fight on March 23, 2019.

Police prevented that dog fight from occurring. At that location, police discovered, concealed in a car, two other dogs that had already fought. Both Watson and Nelson are charged with possessing and training Rambo for the March 23 fight.

The Charges the Men Are Facing

Watson was charged with running two pit bull-type dogs in dog fights in December 2018 and with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Watson surrendered Monday and was scheduled for a hearing, while Nelson was arrested on Dec. 5 and appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge, according to the release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey.

What Sentences Could the Men Recieve?

The Animal Welfare Act counts each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The count of being a felon in possession of ammunition carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.