Dogfight promoter Carlos Warren ordered to serve 20 months behind bars

Under the gavel of U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon, a sentence was handed down to Carlos Warren, a 49-year-old resident of Rapidan, Virginia. Convicted for scheming and promoting dog fights, and leveraging interstate platforms for their propagation, Warren was ordered to serve 20 months behind bars. Post his incarceration, a three-year supervised release awaits him.

In a further crackdown on this brutal activity, Judge Moon mandated the forfeiture of all dogs and items associated with animal fighting that were found at Warren’s premises during a March 2022 search. In addition, the conditions of his supervised release prohibit Warren from owning, caring for any animals or seeking any certifications related to animal care.

Records from the court reveal that Warren’s tryst with dog fighting started during his adolescence. His tenure in California and Virginia witnessed the creation of a nationally circulated magazine, “The Connector.” The publication emerged as a platform where recognized dogfighters were interviewed, fight outcomes disclosed, and breeding and pedigree information shared. It even served as a marketplace for fighting dogs and illegally trafficked injectable steroids meant for dogs.

After relocating to Virginia, Warren, as a host and participant, immersed deeper into the dogfighting underworld. His concurrent position as a veterinary technician gave him access to medications and supplies that he used for his own nefarious purposes. With the acquired medical supplies and his professional training, he provided makeshift treatments to dogs during fights. If a dog lost or refused to fight, it met a brutal end at Warren’s hands, often through electrocution.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim from the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Justice Department lauded the successful prosecution of the case, emphasizing the Department’s resolute stance against the barbaric sport of dogfighting. Kim noted with concern the use of Warren’s veterinary credentials and expertise to aid in these brutal fights, highlighting the severity of his transgressions.

Echoing Kim’s sentiments, U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia reiterated that the savage and inhumane act of dogfighting is unacceptable. He underscored that individuals who perpetrate the breeding, training, and merciless killing of innocent animals will not escape justice, especially if they are trained veterinary personnel.

The FBI’s Richmond Field Office, in collaboration with the Virginia State Police, led the investigation into the case. The prosecution was spearheaded by Senior Litigation Counsel Todd W. Gleason of the Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Carlton for the Western District of Virginia. They received additional assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Williams for the Central District of California.

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