JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A drug raid last month at a Northwest Jacksonville home led to an investigation into a suspected dog-fighting operation and a charge of illegal possession of an alligator, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Marquis Lamont Williams, 49, of Jacksonville, is facing:
- 9 counts of animal abuse
- 3 counts of promoting dog fighting
- One count of illegal possession of an alligator
- One count of cocaine possession with intent to sell
- One count of opium possession with intent to sell
- One count of marijuana with intent to sell
- One count of possession of paraphernalia for the manufacture or delivery of illegal drugs
- One count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
According to JSO, the SWAT unit, along with the JSO narcotics unit, executed a search warrant on May 20 at Williams’ home, which is on Orlando Avenue near Rowe Avenue and Lem Turner Road.
During the search, officers found an assortment of illegal drugs and ammunition, according to JSO.
But that’s not all they found.
While the officers were searching the property, they also discovered a 9-foot alligator and items that led investigators to believe they had stumbled upon a dog-fighting operation. JSO said dog-fighting equipment, trophies, and books were found.
JSO shared a video of a wrangler trying to capture the massive gator.
Press play below to watch the video
JSO said the gator was being kept in a small, fenced area. The alligator had no access to water in the cage and bones scattered on the ground suggested he was being fed the other animals on the property, JSO said.
The FWC nuisance alligator wrangler safely removed the gator from the property.
JSO said officers located multiple dogs on the property, some dogs were kept in skyboxes while others were chained. None of the dogs had access to water, JSO said.
The dogs showed serious signs of neglect, including being covered in feces, fleas, and infections, according to JSO. Some of the dogs had open wounds, others had wounds that were in the process of healing. The officers found other animals in similar condition, including young raccoons and turtles.
A JSO vice unit is in charge of investigating suspected dog-fighting.
Their investigation led to Williams being re-arrested over the weekend on the animal-related charges.
Williams remains in the Duval County jail on a $230,000 bond and is set to appear in court in July.