According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a man was incarcerated following a drug bust in Florida, which also resulted in the rescue of a 9-foot alligator and numerous neglected canines that may have been used for dog fighting.
JSO reported that it received a tip in March regarding a residence on the north side of Jacksonville that was being utilized to distribute illicit drugs.
Marquis Williams, 49, was apprehended by investigators after they discovered cocaine, hydrocodone, marijuana, and numerous firearms within the residence.
During the execution of the search warrant, the officers observed the presence of numerous dogs, dog-fighting apparatus, trophies, and books on the premises.
According to JSO, a number of canines were confined to skyboxes, while others were chained.
The dogs were found to be covered in feces, fleas, and infections, which were considered to be severe indicators of neglect by the officers.
They also mentioned that some of the canines had open wounds, while others were in the process of healing. The officers reported that they discovered additional animals in comparable circumstances, such as tortoises and juvenile raccoons.
A 9-foot alligator was also found in a tiny, fenced-in area by the authorities.
According to officers, the gator was not provided with water in the cage, and the bones that were strewn on the ground indicated that it was being fed by the other animals on the property.
An FWC nuisance alligator wrangler was dispatched to the property to ensure the gator’s safe removal.
Williams is currently facing over a dozen animal abuse charges, including the unlawful possession of an alligator and the promotion of dog fighting, both of which are felonies, in addition to felony drug and gun charges.
