Attorneys/Judges
| Judge(s): | Judge Steven Barrett |
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Dog-fighting - 16 dogs seized
Tremont, NY (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Jun 15, 2008
County: Bronx
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged:
» Alexander Estephane
» Lauritz A. Acoy
» Eric A. Boyce - Dismissed
» Israel Cuevas
» Juan Toledo
» Alterik Mason
» Darnell Walker - Dismissed
» Ralph Reyes
Case Updates: 10 update(s) available
Seven men were collared and 16 pooches were rescued when cops smashed a dogfighting ring in The Bronx, police said yesterday.
A dogfight was going on in the back yard of 108 E. 179th St. in Tremont when cops - acting on a tip from New Jersey state police - staged a raid at 11 p.m. Saturday, police said.
Spectators scattered as the cops nabbed the seven men and rescued the dogs, who fought in a 9-foot-by-9-foot fenced-in pit.
The leader of the ring wasn't there when cops made the arrests, police sources said.
One of the animals appeared to be badly hurt, police said.
Officers recovered $2,000 in cash and syringes used to inject the dogs with stimulants.
The seven men were charged with felony animal fighting and participating in an animal fight, and misdemeanor charges of promoting gambling and owning an animal for fighting.
They were identified as Alexander Estephane, 44, who lives at the East 179th Street address; Lauritz Acoy, 41, of The Bronx; Eric Boyce, 33, also of The Bronx; Israel Cuevas, 34, of North Brunswick, NJ; Juan Toledo, 38, of Paterson, NJ; Alterik Mason, 29, of Newark; and Darnell Walker, 34, also of Newark.
"I love dogs. I love pit bulls," said one of the arrested men as they were being led out of the 46th Precinct station house yesterday.
Robinson Fernandez, 33, a factory worker who has lived in the building for eight years, said the dog duels had been going on for three years.
He said tenants didn't call the cops "because they're afraid" of retaliation.
Case UpdatesThe trial date for the Bronx dog-fighting case against Alexander Estephane and six others has been postponed to September 29, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. at:
Bronx County Supreme Court - Criminal Division
265 E. 161st Street
Bronx NY 10451
Courtroom # 210
718-618-3100 | Source: NYC Anti-Animal Fighting Campaign - Aug 10, 2009
Update posted on Aug 10, 2009 - 5:58PM |
The trial date for the Bronx dog-fighting case against Alexander Estephane and six others has been postponed to July 28, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Bronx Supreme Court
12th Judicial District
265 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-3100
Take Major Deegan Expressway, Exit 5, to E. 161 St. and Grand Concourse.
Subway - B, D or 4 to 161st/Yankee Stadium. | Source: NYC Anti-Animal Fighting Campaign
Update posted on Jul 16, 2009 - 12:37PM |
A trial date has been set for July 8, 2009 at:
Bronx Supreme Court
12th Judicial District
265 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-3100
Allegedly run by defendant Alexander Estephane, a dogfighting ring was raided in June 2008 by a coordinated team of New York and New Jersey authorities who arrested seven men, including a corrections officer, and rescued 16 pit bulls at the scene. The men face felony and misdemeanor charges of animal fighting as well as gambling. | Source: Docket Number #02688-2008
Update posted on Jun 24, 2009 - 4:01PM |
It is with great pleasure that I share that one of the dogs rescued from an organized dog fighting ring last summer in the Bronx, has found a home.
Jennifer Panton, the President of United Action for Animals, a non-profit animal rights group, has been instrumental in making sure New Yorker's knew about the animal fighting atrocities that were going on so close to home. UAA even launched the NYC Anti-Animal Fighting Campaign last summer after the animals - 16 pit bulls and two roosters - were rescued by NYPD and NYC Animal Care & Control from the backyard of a building in Tremont in the Bronx.
Despite New York's lenient penalty for animal fighting (the state ranks 48th in the country), at least five out of the six involved in the ring will go to trial. Alexander Estephane, Juan Toledo and Lauritz Acoy have received felony charges for dog fighting while Israel Cuevas and Alterik Mason face misdemeanor charges as spectators.
On the day of the bust last June, one of the dogs died on the way to a shelter and several others had to be put down. But some, like Diana, have been lucky enough to find a new home. Please read Diana's story and join the cause to stop animal fighting in New York City today.
For more info: www.ua4a.org | Source: Examiner.com - Jun 17, 2009
Update posted on Jun 17, 2009 - 3:28PM |
"New Yorkers want these criminals punished to the max for these heinous crimes and to rid animal fighting out of our great city," said Jennifer Panton, who runs United Action for Animals (www.ua4a.org).
The nonprofit group launched the Anti-Animal Fighting Campaign last summer after 16 pit bulls and two roosters were rescued by NYPD and NYC Animal Care & Control from the backyard of a building in Tremont in the Bronx.
One of the dogs died on the way to a shelter and several others had to be put down. Some, like Diana, a beautiful pit bull, have found a new home, while others in foster homes wait to be adopted.
The suspected ringleader, Alexander Estephane, 44, lives at the Tremont building, where neighbors reportedly knew of the brutality, but did not came forward.
Estephane and two others were charged with felonies for dogfighting, but two men were charged only with misdemeanors for being spectators. Another suspect walked away free and clear.
The case is expected to go to trial in the Bronx Supreme Court next month.
Panton hopes her group's campaign will incite the same public backlash that helped convict former NFL star Michael Vick for running a dogfighting operation.
"It is time for animal abusers to be viewed as the terrorists that they are," she said.
For details on the Humane Society of the United States' reward program, call (202) 452-1100, or go to www.hsus.org. | Source: Daily News - Jun 13, 2009
Update posted on Jun 16, 2009 - 11:51AM |
Please support the prosecution by attending the court proceedings. A trial date of March 20, 2009 is currently set - the Court opens at 9:30 amÂ, no set start times are scheduled for individual hearings. (Always contact the Court to confirm court dates as they are subject to change.)
Bronx Supreme Court
12th Judicial District
265 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-3100 (choose 7)
Additional court information online at: http://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/Login
Docket Number #02688-2008
Criminal Case Numbers are #36620C-2008 through #36626C-2008
Send A Letter!
Using this case as an example, polite letters may be sent to the District Attorney's office noting concern over the prevalence of dogfighting in the community and an appreciation for the aggressive treatment of those cases by proficient prosecutors.
Robert T. Johnson, District Attorney
Bronx County
198 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451
Fax: 718-590-2198 | Source: ALDF.com - Jan 29, 2009
Update posted on Feb 19, 2009 - 6:02PM |
On September 8, 2008 in Bronx Supreme Court, Lauritz Acoy, Alexander Estephane (ringleader), Alterik Mason and Juan Toledo appeared in court.
Charges against Eric Boyce and Darnell Walker were dismissed - insufficient evidence.
Rashaan Johnson was not charged - insufficient evidence.
Israel Cuevas was not in attendance, his attorney stating, "Mr. Cuevas had car trouble".
In a separate matter of animal cruelty (and the day after his arrest in the Bronx), Israel Cuevas was charged by the NJSPCA with failure to provide food and water to animals residing at his home in North Brunswick, NJ. (5 adult pit bulls and 12 pit bull puppies). Cuevas pled guilty to the charges.
Israel Cuevas is a correction officer at the New Jersey Training School for Boys and is suspended.
Please email the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission and request Cuevas be terminated.
Sharon.Lauchaire@njjjc.org
Public Information Officer
Administration of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission
Please show your appreciation and support for their efforts and send a thank you.
Deputy Inspector Kevin Harrington
NYC Police Department
46th Precinct - Patrol Officers
Paul Browne
Deputy Commissioner for Public Information
DCPI@NYPD.org
Captain Albert Della Fave
Public Information Officer
New Jersey State Police
LPP4040@gw.njsp.org
Re: Special Investigations Unit
Michael Pastore
Director
Field Operations
Animal Care and Control of NYC
info@nycacc.org
(Michael Pastore personally assisted NYPD and NJ State Police with transport to Animal Care and Control shelters).
New Hope Department
Animal Care and Control of NYC
info@nycacc.org
Please send a thank you to Assistant District Attorney Jacob Kaplan and Justice Steven Barrett and ask the defendants be held accountable for their actions. Correspondence to ADA Kaplan and Justice Barrett may be sent to SNIPNYC@aol.com and will be forwarded, or mailed to Bronx District Attorney, Attention Assistant District Attorney Jacob Kaplan, 265 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451.
Trial Dates:
September 23, 2008
Israel Cuevas
Juan Toledo
Docket # 02688-2008
Part 60
9AM
Bronx Supreme Court - 265 East 161st Street
Justice Steven Barrett
November 14, 2008
Lauritz Acoy
Alexander Estephane
Alterik Mason
Many thanks to those who were in attendance on September 8th. (Mayor's Alliance for NYC Animals, Animal Care and Control of NYC and various animal advocates). SNIP will attend trial on September 23, 2008 and all are urged and invited to attend.
INDICTMENT
Supreme Court of The State of New York
County of Bronx
People of The State of New York
-Against-
Alexander Estephane, Docket # 36626C-2008
Lauritz Acoy, Docket # 36624C-2008
Juan Toledo, Docket # 36622C-2008
Rashaan Johnson, IBNA
Israel Cuevas, Docket # 36625C-2008
Alterik Mason, Docket # 36623C-2008
Defendants.
Indictment #
Grand Jury # 43788/2008
COUNTS
Prohibition of Animal Fighting
Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (2)(a)
(count one)
Prohibition of Animal Fighting
Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (2)(d)
(count two)
Prohibition of Animal Fighting (four counts)
Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (4)(b)
(counts three – six)
The Grand Jury of the County of the Bronx, by this Indictment, accuses Defendants Alexander Estephane, Lauritz Acoy, Rashaan Johnson, and Juan toledo of the Crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (2)(a), committed as follows:
Defendants Alexander Estephane, Lauritz Acoy, Rashaan Johnson, and Juan toledo, acting individually and in concert with each other, on or about June 14, 2008, in the County of the Bronx, for amusement or gain, caused any animal to engage in animal fighting.
SECOND COUNT
The Grand Jury of the County of the Bronx, by this Indictment, accuses Defendant Alexander Estephane of the Crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (2)(d), committed as follows:
Defendant Alexander Estephane, on or about June 14, 2008, in the County of the Bronx, permitted animal fighting to occur on premises under his control.
THIRD COUNT
The Grand Jury of the County of the Bronx, by this Indictment, accuses Defendant Israel Cuevas of the Crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (4)(b), committed as follows:
Defendant Israel Cuevas, on or about June 14, 2008, in the County of the Bronx, was knowingly present as a spectator having paid an admission fee or having made wager at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting was being conducted.
FOURTH COUNT
The Grand Jury of the County of the Bronx, by this Indictment, accuses Defendant Alterik Mason of the crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (4)(b), committed as follows:
Defendant Alterik Mason, on or about June 14, 2008, in the County of the Bronx, was knowingly present as a spectator having paid an admission fee or having made wager at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting was being conducted.
FIFTH COUNT
The Grand Jury of the County of the Bronx, by this Indictment, accuses Defendant Rashaan Johnson of the crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (4)(b), committed as follows:
Defendant Rashaan Johnson, on or about June 14, 2008, in the County of the Bronx, was knowingly present as a spectator having paid an admission fee or having made wager at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting was being conducted.
SIXTH COUNT
The Grand Jury of the County of the Bronx, by this Indictment, accuses Defendant Juan Toledo of the crime of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law § 351 (4)(b), committed as follows:
Defendant Juan Toledo, on or about June 14, 2008, in the County of the Bronx, was knowingly present as a spectator having paid an admission fee or having made wager at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting was being conducted.
Grand Jury # 43788/2008
Finding: Indicted | Source: Snipe NYC
Update posted on Sep 21, 2008 - 7:57PM |
If you cannot attend the Sept 8 court date, please write a letter to the Bronx District Attorney. Please thank the Bronx District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney Kaplan and Justice Barrett. Request the defendants be held accountable for their actions.
Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson,
Assistant District Attorney Jacob Kaplan
Justice Steven Barrett
Address:
Bronx District Attorney
265 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451 | | Update posted on Sep 2, 2008 - 9:18PM |
Lauritz Acoy, Israel Cuevas, Alexander Estephane, Eric Boyce, Juan Toledo, Alterick Mason, and Darnell Walker will appear in court next on September 8, 2008 in the Bronx Supreme Court located at 851 Grand Concourse # 206, Bronx, NY 10451, in front of Judge Barrett.
The men face felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges stemming from an incident on June 15, when authorities raided a home in Tremont.
Spectators scattered as the cops nabbed the seven men and rescued the dogs, who fought in a 9-foot-by-9-foot fenced-in pit.
16 pit bulls were rescued from the basement that housed the illegal dogfighting ring.
One dog, who was reportedly in poor condition "with bite marks and blood all over it" later died. | Source: Bronx Supreme Court Case # 36624C-2008
Update posted on Aug 12, 2008 - 1:38PM |
One of seven people arrested in connection with a Bronx dogfighting ring works as a correctional officer in New Jersey, WNBC has learned.
Israel Cuevas, 31, of New Brunswick, is a senior corrections officer at the New Jersey Training School for Boys in Jamesburg, N.J., sources said.
Cuevas and six other people are facing charges of animal fighting, participating in animal fight, promoting gambling and own or possess an animal for fighting.
Authorities say 16 pit bulls were rescued from the Bronx basement that housed the illegal dogfighting ring.
One dog later died.
City Animal Care & Control center director Mike Pastore tells the Daily News in Monday editions that the animal was in poor condition "with bite marks and blood all over it." The surviving pit bulls are in ACC custody.
The following men were arrested: Lauritz Acoy, 41, of the Bronx; Israel Cuevas, 31, of North Brunswick, N.J.; Alexander Estephane, 44, of the Bronx; Eric Boyce, 33, of the Bronx; Juan Toledo, 38, of Paterson, N.J.; Alterick Mason, 29, of Newark, N.J.; and Darnell Walker, 34, of Newark, N.J. | Source: WNBC - June 17, 2008
Update posted on Jun 17, 2008 - 1:58PM |
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