Carlos Warren, a 49-year-old resident of Rapidan, Virginia, and a trained veterinary technician, has been handed a 20-month prison sentence and a three-year supervised release term for his involvement in dogfighting and its promotion, Your Content has learned.
The sentence was delivered by U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon of the Western District of Virginia.
The court also mandated the confiscation of all dogs and dogfighting equipment found at Warren’s premises during a search operation in March 2022. As part of his post-release supervision, Warren is prohibited from owning or caring for any animals and from obtaining any licenses or certifications related to animal or veterinary care.
Court records reveal that Warren’s involvement in dogfighting dates back to his teenage years. He lived in both California and Virginia, where he produced and distributed a magazine named “the Connector” on a national scale. The publication featured interviews with known dogfighters, fight results, breeding and pedigree details, advertisements for fighting dogs, and a page promoting the illegal sale of injectable steroids and other substances for dogs.
Upon relocating to Virginia, Warren established a dogfighting yard and hosted dogfights on his property, while also attending other dogfights. His position as a veterinary technician allowed him to acquire medications and supplies, which he used to treat dogs during fights until they were unable or unwilling to continue. Dogs that refused to fight were subjected to brutal executions, including electrocution.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division commented on the case, stating, “This prosecution underscores our ongoing commitment to bring to justice those who engage in and promote the cruel sport of dogfighting.” He further added that Warren’s use of his veterinary certification to facilitate these fights and promote the brutal treatment of dogs made his crimes particularly egregious.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia echoed these sentiments, stating, “Dogfighting is brutal and inhumane, and it will not be tolerated. Those involved in the breeding, training, and cruel deaths of innocent animals, particularly in a case like this involving a trained veterinary technician, will be held accountable and appropriately punished by the Justice Department.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Richmond Field Office with the assistance of the Virginia State Police. The prosecution was led by Senior Litigation Counsel Todd W. Gleason of the Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Carlton for the Western District of Virginia, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Williams for the Central District of California.