Federal Jury Convicts Georgia Resident Of Dog Fighting

ATLANTA — A Georgia resident faces up to five years in prison after a federal jury found her guilty of violating the Animal Welfare Act.

Kizzy Solomon, aka Kizzy Andrews, 44, of Camilla, was convicted on June 22 of 15 counts of aiding and abetting the possession and training of dogs for purposes of an animal fighting venture, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to the potential for prison time, Solomon faces a fine of up to $250,000 per count and three years of supervised release.

Federal agents executing a search warrant seized 27 pitbull-type dogs housed on chains in poor living conditions from Solomon's Camilla property on Sept. 12, 2018, according to court documents and evidence presented during the two-day trial. All but the puppies had scarring and injuries consistent with use in dog fighting, and agents also seized a large amount of dog fighting equipment throughout the primary living spaces of the house.

Agents found a large dog treadmill in the house, according to the press release, on which various dogs' fighting histories were written – including whether they had died during the fights.

"Dog fighting is an atrocious crime that often serves as a breeding ground for other illegal behavior," Peter D. Leary, acting U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, said in the press release. "Our office will vigorously prosecute individuals found abusing and using animals for illegal fighting and gambling."

Jean E. Williams, acting assistant attorney of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division, said in the press release that the conclusion of Solomon's case is in line with the division's efforts to combat animal cruelty.

"We will continue to prosecute significant and major offenders to maximize the impact of these cases on this illegal industry," Williams said.

Eleven co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas to various offenses related to their participation in an animal fighting venture, according to the press release:

• Leslie Meyers aka Les Meyers, 44, of Tallahassee, Florida
• Alonza Jordan, 48, of Americus
• Germany Brockington aka Rat and Gator, 34, of Ambrose
• Kevin Charles aka Trinidad, 45, of Jackson
• Maurice Glover, 48, of Douglas
• Orlando Johnson aka OJ and Juiceman, 35, of Americus
• Shadon Johnson, 37, of Fitzgerald
• Terry Driggers, 71, of Hoboken
• Starlin Morgan, 39, of Plains
• Kentre Gibson aka Gipp, 40, of Douglas
• Timothy White, 51, of Patterson

Each individual faces up to five years in prison, fines of $100,000 to $250,000 or both, according to the press release. Sentencing for certain defendants is scheduled for July 21-22 before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner.