27 Arrested in Major Georgia Dogfighting Operation; 29 Dogs Seized

A Multi-State Investigation into Organized Dogfighting

The investigation into a sophisticated, multi-state dogfighting operation in northeast Georgia has expanded, with authorities now confirming a total of 27 arrests. The case, which spans across Hart and Elbert counties, has drawn in suspects from well beyond Georgia’s borders, including eight residents from Mississippi. According to WLBT, the individuals facing charges of dogfighting and felony cruelty to animals include Ronald Kamel Wiggins, Kristi Lakiah Watkins, Gregory Jermaine McCallun, Jarrod Christopher Middleton, and Cedric Lashawn Kyle, all of Jackson; Keith Montel Skinner of Kosciusko; Jahim Brown of Lexington; and Charles Jamaruez Wilson of Sallis.

The operation came to light shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30, when a Hart County Sheriff’s deputy responded to reports of numerous vehicles parked along Jim Heard Road. Upon arriving, the deputy encountered a scene that suggested an active, illicit event. According to WSB-TV, the officer heard dogs barking and growling in the nearby woods and discovered vehicles equipped with blood-stained dog crates. When the deputy approached a driveway leading into the wooded area, three men attempted to flee. One was immediately taken into custody, while law enforcement initiated a broader search using three K-9 units and two drones.

Evidence and Animal Recovery Across Two Counties

The initial sweep of the Jim Heard Road property resulted in the arrest of 20 people found hiding in the surrounding fields and woods, with several others apprehended as they arrived at the scene or were spotted walking on a nearby road. Authorities towed 27 vehicles and seized firearms and large amounts of cash. While WLBT reported the initial discovery of 26 dogs, including three that were found dead, subsequent investigation has refined those figures. WSB-TV reports that a total of 29 dogs were recovered across the two locations, including 20 adults, six puppies, and three deceased animals.

The scope of the investigation widened on Tuesday, November 3, when Hart County deputies assisted the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in executing a search warrant at a residence on Sanders Road. This property was linked to one of the suspects arrested during the initial October 30 raid. During that follow-up search, investigators seized an additional 13 adult dogs and five puppies. All surviving animals are currently in the custody of Hart County Animal Control.

27 Arrested in Major Georgia Dogfighting Operation; 29 Dogs Seized — Photo: wsbtv.com

Expanding Legal Consequences

As the judicial process begins, the list of those charged continues to grow. CBS News confirmed that the 27th individual taken into custody is 57-year-old Tony Andre Hopps of Dade City, Florida. The involvement of suspects from Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia underscores the coordinated nature of the alleged operation, which has prompted Sheriff Chris Carroll to engage with multiple local law enforcement agencies and federal partners.

“I want to thank the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and Elbert County Animal Control for its continued partnership in this investigation, along with Hart County Animal Control for its assistance in taking custody of the seized animals,” Sheriff Carroll stated in an update provided to WSB-TV.

Despite the substantial number of arrests and the volume of evidence seized—ranging from the vehicles to the cash and firearms—the investigation remains active. Authorities have indicated that the current charges are not necessarily the final tally, as investigators continue to work through the details of the operation. With the case now moving through the court system, the primary questions remain regarding the full hierarchy of the organization and the extent of its reach across state lines. The Hart County Sheriff’s Office has stated that additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming as the multi-agency task force continues its review of the evidence.