Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dog-fighting suspected - 10 dogs seized

Dog-fighting suspected - 10 dogs seized
Spotsylvania, VA (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Oct 24, 2005
County: Spotsylvania
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA

Alleged: Charles Timothy Lomax

Upcoming Court Dates:
» Monday, Nov 19, 2007: sentencing

Case Updates: 4 update(s) available

Case ID: 5844

Classification: Fighting

Animal: dog (pit-bull)

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Ten American pit bull terriers were seized this week by Spotsylvania County animal control officers looking for evidence of illegal dog fighting. The property at 7306 Plantation Forest Drive, off Courthouse Road near the county's governmental center, was searched on the morning of Oct 24.

Jason Cook, a Spotsylvania animal control officer, said he got a warrant to search the property after two pit bulls got loose late last week and fought each other.

One of the two adult females was killed in the fight, Cook said. He said there have been complaints from neighbors, and property owner Charles Timothy Lomax has been convicted of letting his dogs run loose.

According to the search warrant affidavit, animal control officers were looking for any evidence of dog fighting--including dogs, treadmills and exercise equipment used to strengthen the animals, chains, vitamins, cameras used to record the fighting, awards and pedigrees.

Six pit bull puppies and four adult dogs were confiscated during the search. Cook said two of the adult dogs had scars on their faces.

All the animals were taken to the county shelter. They won't be adopted out, euthanized or returned until the investigation and any subsequent court hearings are finished.

Cook said no criminal warrants have been served, but the investigation is ongoing. The search warrant was issued for an investigation into fighting, animal cruelty, nuisance and dogs running at large.

In addition to the dogs, animal control officers seized chains, a spring pole sometimes used to exercise dogs, numerous medications, a computer, film, video and other records.

Cook said there is evidence of dog fighting occurring in Spotsylvania. State law makes that a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Case Updates

A Spotsylvania County man convicted of a dogfighting-related charge faces six years behind bars.

A judge found Charles T. Lomax, 43, guilty of promoting dogfighting, a felony, and cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor, on August 28 in Spotsylvania Circuit Court.

Prosecutor Thomas G. Shaia said that although Lomax's trial came a day after NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty in a federal dogfighting case in Richmond, Spotsylvania's prosecution of Lomax does not represent a new or renewed focus on dogfighting.

"Just business as usual," Shaia said, noting Lomax had initially been charged nearly two years ago.

The investigation started in October 2005, when an animal-control officer responded to a report of dogs running loose at the home Lomax occupied on Plantation Drive. The officer found two loose dogs described as pit bulls, one with blood on its face and the other with multiple puncture wounds to its chest area, according to court documents. One of the dogs later died.

The officer also noted the presence of a spring pole, a device that can be used to exercise and strengthen dogs. Animal-control officials seized about 12 dogs from the property, most of them described as pit bulls.

Defense attorney Marcel Jones objected to the admission of some evidence, including the spring pole, which he argued is not necessarily evidence of dogfighting.

Shaia said yesterday that he had not contended at trial that Lomax was actually present at dog fights; rather, Shaia said authorities believe Lomax bred dogs to fight.

Retired judge Joseph Spruill, who tried the case without a jury, scheduled sentencing for November 19. Lomax, who remains free on bond, has since moved to Stafford County.

Source: Rich.com - Aug 30, 2007
Update posted on Aug 30, 2007 - 3:16PM

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Charles Timothy Lomax was indicted Monday in a dog-fighting case. Spotsylvania Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Shaia said Monday's indictments were the second round of charges against Lomax.

He now faces four misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty and two felony charges of promoting or engaging in dog fighting. If convicted, Lomax could face up to 14 years in prison.

"He had a lot of dogs there," Shaia said about Lomax's house on Grand Brooks Road near Lake Anna State Park.

While Shaia said he could not release specifics about the case, he did say there was evidence that Lomax could be involved in the breeding and distribution of pit bulls or pit bull mixes over the past two years. Lomax is scheduled for an Aug. 28 hearing.

Source: Fredericksburg.Com - July 21, 2007
Update posted on Jul 22, 2007 - 7:09AM

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Charles Timothy Lomax was arraigned February 21 on felony charges of promoting dog fighting and animal cruelty. He will appear in court next for a plea hearing on August 6, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. at the Spotsylvania County Courthouse.

Source: Case #'s CR06001629-00 and CR07000033-00
Update posted on Feb 22, 2007 - 6:30PM

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Charles Timothy Lomax, 42, has been indicted for promoting dog fighting and cruelty to animals. The felony charges stem from an incident in October 2005, when ten pit bull terriers were seized by Spotsylvania County animal control officers looking for evidence of illegal dog fighting. In addition to the dogs, officers seized chains, a spring pole, numerous medications, video and other records. Lomax will next appear in court for arraignment on February 21, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.

Source: Case # CR06001629-00 and CR07000033-00
Update posted on Jan 31, 2007 - 4:39PM

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The Free-Lance Star - Oct 26, 2005

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Dog-fighting suspected - 10 dogs seizedSpotsylvania, VA (US)

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Dog-fighting suspected - 10 dogs seized
Spotsylvania, VA (US)