On Tuesday, Zhaqwaun Jevontae Gary, 22, entered a plea at the federal courthouse in Elizabeth City, court records as well as a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina show.
Gary could face up to 5 years in prison, the attorney’s office said in the statement, while his parents, Elton and Erica, could face up to 10 years in prison.
While the younger Gary is tentatively scheduled for sentencing in October, court records indicate the exact time, date and location will be determined by District Judge Terrence Boyle.
Zhaqwaun Gary will remain on release until his sentencing date, according to court records.
Zhaqwaun Gary pled guilty Tuesday to possession of an animal for the purpose of participation in a fighting venture and aiding and abetting.
Elton Gary in April pled pled guilty to exhibiting and sponsoring an animal for the purpose of participation in a fighting venture and aiding and abetting; attending an animal fighting venture and aiding and abetting; possession of an animal for the purpose of participation in a fighting venture and aiding and abetting; possession of firearm and ammunition by a felon; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 but less than 100 marijuana plants and aiding and abetting; and maintaining drug-involved premises and aiding and abetting.
Also in April Erica pled guilty to possession of an animal for the purpose of participation in a fighting venture and aiding and abetting, and possession of firearm by a felon.
The case goes back to April of 2013 when the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint Erica Gary was conducting dogfighting operations at her residence on Stack Powell Road outside Roanoke Rapids.
When deputies arrived, no dogfighting was observed, but blood samples were obtained from an area appearing to have had recent dogfighting and multiple animals were seized.
In the shed, deputies located a steel bucket with bloody water, and what appeared to be a ring for dogfighting.
A carpet with blood was found and there were splatters on the walls. The dogs were in a wooden fence-in area and there was blood at the bottom of the fence.
Several pit bulls were chained up within the fence. A Halifax Animal Control officer was called out and gave his opinion this was a dogfighting ring based on his review of the shed set up and appearance.
Deputies located approximately 17 pit bulls and they all had wounds and scars consistent with dogfighting.
While looking for evidence of dogfighting, deputies located marijuana plants growing in a shed on the property. Deputies obtained a search warrant based on the discovery. There were approximately 68 plants, a grow light, seeds, timers and heaters in support of the growing operation.
A search warrant was also executed at the home of Erica Gary and two firearms were located in the closet of the bedroom shared by she and her husband.