Dog-fighting - 2 dogs seized, one mortally wounded
Lumberton, NC (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Oct 6, 2001
County: Robeson

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Cory Blanks
» Alejandru Sierra Canto
» Joe Drayton, Jr.
» Donald Beck
» Bobby Johnson
» Scott LaClaire
» Joe Therl Deese
» Terry Deese
» Harry Louis Hargrove
» Paris Brown
» Barney Lee Blanks, Jr.
» Torrance Lavon Bryant
» Donnell Thomas
» Daniel Joseph Watts
» Curtis Neal
» Sammy Emanuel

Fifteen people were arrested on October 6, 2001 when the Robeson County Sheriffs Department raided a pit bull dog fight outside of Raynham.

The arrests came as part of the departments investigation into dog-fighting in the county. The investigation led deputies to the fight, which was a significant one in dog-fighting circles.

The two pit bulls were going for the title of grand master fighters. One was so severely injured that it had to be killed.

The fight was already going on when about 18 deputies arrived at a horse barn just outside Raynham, south of Lumberton. The barn was not far from the Robeson County Career Center, he said.

All 15 people arrested in Robeson County were charged with felony dog fighting and conspiracy to dog fight. Each of those charges carries a maximum of two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Those arrested were: Cory Blanks (20) of Bolton; Alejandru Sierra Canto (22) of Elizabethtown; Joe Drayton Jr. (35) of Greensboro; Donald Beck (50); Bobby Johnson (32) and Scott LaClaire (32) all of Lumberton; Joe Therl Deese (55) and Terry Deese (33) both of Maxton; Harry Louis Hargrove (68) of Mt. Olive; Paris Brown (24); Barney Lee Blanks Jr. (23) and Torrance Lavon Bryant (23) all of Riegelwood; Donnell Thomas (34) of Sanford; Daniel Joseph Watts (29) of St. Pauls; and Curtis Neal (41) of Wilmington. Canto and Johnson were also charged with carrying concealed weapons. Watts was also charged with obstructing and delaying arrest. An arrest warrant has been issued for Sammy Emanuel (31) of Lumberton. The Sheriffs Department is working to identify a 17th person at the fight who got away.

Deputies seized 12 vehicles, four handguns and about $8,500.

References

• WNHSA - 2001

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