A Virginia Beach man is facing dog fighting and drug charges after police searched his home last Saturday night. Joseph Michael Trochelman, 36, was arrested at his home in the Ocean Lakes section of the city.
Police say when they searched his home, they found evidence related to organized dog fighting activities, as well as evidence of marijuana being grown on the premises.
In addition, officials say they seized seven pit bulls, along with pedigrees, weights, medicines and other dog fighting related items.
Trochelman faces one felony count of possessing, owning or training dogs for organized dog fighting. Officials say he also faces various illegal drug-related violations.
The dogs are in the care of Animal Control. Officers say they have no signs of recent fighting, but are being checked by a veterinarian. Case UpdatesCharges of "sale of dog with intent to fight" and possession of marjiuana were dismissed against Joseph Trochelman on March 23, 2005. He currently faces charges of possession of marijuana stemming from a separate incident. Records show that Trochelman has been cited on several occasions for animal and drug-related matters, however only one conviction is noted; a misdemeanor charge of "dog running at large" in 2001 | Source: Virginia Beach Court Case #CR04003648-00 Update posted on Apr 29, 2007 - 6:54PM |
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