No Jail Time in Florida Dogfighting Case

Update:
On April 27, 2011 Judge Phyllis M. Rosier sentenced Cletus Gaskins to five years of probation, during which time he is to have no contact with animals. Among other conditions ordered is a community service requirement that will have him giving talks to high school students. Mr. Gaskins’ co-defendant, Omar Aldridge, was allowed to withdraw his plea just before sentencing, and a hearing date in that case is currently set for June 28, 2011.

(Baker County, FL)  When police seized 13 dogs in April 2010, animal cruelty and dogfighting charges were subsequently brought against Cletus Gaskins and Omar Aldridge. Reportedly running away from the officers on the scene and leaving his four-year-old son behind in the process, Aldridge was also charged with child neglect. 

Dogs raised for fighting are forced to live desperately, repeatedly suffering ruthless and gruesome abuses as well as systematic neglect. Tragically, it is not unusual for children to be victimized by this culture as well – either taken to fighting events by the very adults they should be able to count on to shield them from harm, or chronically exposed to squalid and dangerous living conditions.

On March 8, 2011 Gaskins and Aldridge entered no contest pleas to charges of both cruelty to animals and fighting or baiting animals - both felonies under Florida law. The prosecution presented its sentencing recommendations to Judge Rosier at a hearing on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Clerk of the Circuit Court, Criminal Division
8th Judicial Circuit
Baker County Courthouse
339 East Macclenny Avenue
Macclenny, FL 32063
904-259-0206

Case Information Online
case #10000148CFMA= Omar Rashaun Aldridge
case #10000150CFMA= Cletus Dennard Gaskins