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Louisiana Man Sentenced to Prison After Pleading Guilty to Possessing a Dog for Animal Fighting

Shreveport, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting enterprise.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Charles Calvin Akins, 52, of Many, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote.

In February 2022, Akins was accused in a federal indictment and pled guilty to possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting enterprise. This charge is the outcome of an investigation into Akins’ criminal operations by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Akins is a convicted felon, having been convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile in 1988 and of aggravated assault and unlawful use of a moveable in 2016.

ATF agents secured a federal search warrant for Akins’ residence in Many, Louisiana, on January 19, 2022. While arranging the execution of the search warrant, officers noticed 15 dogs resembling pit bulls in Akins’ backyard. Each dog had access to a tiny wooden building and was chained in close proximity to the others, but out of biting range. Agents observed the dogs, their chains, and their plywood constructions during the execution of the search warrant. Each building was surrounded by a circular path or “chain path.” Due to the constraints of their chains, the chain routes seemed to be trodden soil that the dogs traversed around their plywood structures.

Inside an adjacent shed was a makeshift treadmill with a dog-sized, wooden-slatted running belt. Dog fighters typically use these treadmills to train and condition their canines for bouts. Inside a different shed, investigators discovered a firearm alongside a large toolbox holding a large metal spring device, a metal scale, and animal pharmaceuticals, as well as several heavy metal chains and metal stakes, a dog-breeding equipment, and a number of carpet pieces. All of these materials are routinely utilized by dog fighters to train and strengthen their dogs’ bite, to weigh game dogs as they train and prepare for upcoming fights, and to condition the game dogs’ strength. Animal fighters also frequently use carpet to line fighting pits and offer traction for their game dogs. The canines were confiscated and evaluated for their behavior and health. Several of the canines exhibited dog-aggressive behavior against other dogs and had scars and wounds on their hind legs, neck, and rear.

Akins admitted to owning and possessing the 15 canines and dog-fighting equipment discovered at his property. Additionally, he stated that the canines were possessed for use in dog-fighting activities between at least two animals for sport, wagering, or entertainment, and that such dog-fighting events harmed interstate commerce.

“Dog fighting is not only against the law, but an inhumane way of treating animals,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Individuals who participate in this type of activity should be aware that it is illegal to participate or wager in dog or cock fights. This office will continue to work with federal and local law enforcement agencies to put a stop to this kind of activity in the Western District of Louisiana.”

The ATF and FBI conducted the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

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