Case Snapshot
Case ID: 16023
Classification: Fighting, Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
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Friday, Jan 8, 2010

County: Emanuel

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged: Derek Wayne Jukes

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

According to Sheriff Tyson Stephens, Emanuel County Investigators, working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and East Central Georgia Drug Task Force, served a search warrant at 69 Brown Hall Road near Summertown in northern Emanuel County. One arrest was made for 14 counts of Cruelty to Animals.

Norred & Associates Inc., an Atlanta-based private security firm, initiated the investigation as a result of confidential leads reported to a dog fighting tips hotline sponsored by Norred. A Coordinated investigation between Norred, Emanuel County Sheriffs’ Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and East Central Georgia Drug Task Force uncovered evidence of dogs possibly being raised for the purpose of fighting. The dogs recovered were mainly pit bull dogs.

“By giving us solid tips, the citizens of Georgia are demonstrating that they are serious about stopping the abuse and use of dogs for what these criminals call sport,” says Norred Investigator, Chuck Simmons. “Norred & Associates, in turn, will continue to put this information to work by helping law enforcement eliminate dog fighting and other animal cruelty, wherever we find it.”

Sheriff Stephens stated that this operation would not have been a success without the help of the Atlanta Humane Society working with the afore-mentioned law enforcement agencies, Sheriff Stephens further stated that there were 14 dogs seized and they are being transported to the Atlanta Humane Society for evaluation and treatment.

Arrested and charged was DEREK WAYNE JUKES (35) of 69 Brown Hall Rd. Summertown, Jukes was charged with CRUELTY TO ANIMALS 14 COUNTS. At this time the investigation IS Continuing and further charges may be pending. Jukes is currently being held in the Emanuel County Jail.

If you have any information regarding this matter, please call the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office at 478-237-7526 or the Norred toll-free animal cruelty hotline: 1-877-215-2250 to report Suspected animal abuse cases anonymously.


Case Updates

Derek Jukes is behind bars and faces 14 counts of animal cruelty. Emanuel County investigators tell us jukes was arrested after a tip lead them to a suspected dog-fighting ring at his house. The tip was received by Norred Associates a private security firm based out of Atlanta. They have a partnership with the Atlanta Humane Society who decided to team up with GBI and Emanuel County Sheriffs Office. When they got to the home they found 14 dogs in bad condition.

Miguel Abi-Hassan, Atlanta Humane Society: “We have a lot of dogs injured in front chest area, around the face, fore limbs. Have a lot of injured ears.”

Authorities say most of the dogs were pit bulls and so far all evidence points to dogfighting.

Alan Watson., GBI Agent: “In any case like this it’s surprising to see the conditions that these animals are in especially with the temperatures that we are having at this time. The animals of course need food, water and shelter.”

Fraendy Clervaud, reporting: “Emanuel County investigators tell us this is not the first time a suspected dogfighting ring was uncovered in the area. Authorities tell us this past summer about 93 dogs were uncovered in Dublin Georgia. Authorities tell us information from that investigation helped them to uncover this current case.”

In that prior case, William Panick was arrested but later released on a $50,000 bond. Fast forward to January, and investigators are trying to piece together clues on how and why was this suspected dog-fighting ring setup. Humane society workers tell us all these dogs will be placed into the hands of a veterinarian to determine the dog’s future because of their injuries.

Miguel Abi-Hassan: “While we were removing the dogs off the property we did encounter quite a bit of dog aggression and again have quite a bit of scarring.”
Source: WJBF - June 9, 2010
Update posted on Jan 9, 2010 - 11:48PM 

References

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