Bronx Dogfighting Ring, Prison Time Ordered

Update 3/18/2010
Alexander Estephane was sentenced on March 17, 2010 and will serve up to four years in prison and pay a $15,000 fine.
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Update 2/10/2010
A jury found Alexander Estephane guilty of one felony count of animal fighting and he is currently scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2010. (Always contact the Court to confirm court dates as they are subject to change.)

ISSUE:
(Bronx, NY)  Allegedly run by defendant Alexander Estephane, a neighborhood dogfighting ring was raided in June 2008 by a coordinated team of New York and New Jersey authorities who arrested seven men, including a corrections officer, and rescued 16 pit bulls at the scene. Rescue came too late for one embattled dog who died a short time later despite veterinary intervention. The men face felony and misdemeanor charges of animal fighting as well as gambling. Locals are encouraged to support their community and the prosecution by attending court proceedings.

Here are news articles on the story:

New York City Dogfighters Finally Face a Jury
The Huffinton Post, February 8, 2010

Bronx dogfighting hearing gets a trial date
examiner.com, July 9, 2009

Dogfighting Ring Smashed
Mount Hope Monitor, September 6, 2008
(The story is near the bottom of the page.)

Lucky Dogs
New York Post, June 16, 2008

Bronx Supreme Court
12th Judicial District
265 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY  10451
718-618-3100 (choose 7)
Additional court information online at: http://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/Login

Docket Number #02688-2008
Criminal Case Numbers are #36620C-2008 through #36626C-2008

Send A Letter!
Using this case as an example, polite letters may be sent to the District Attorney’s office noting concern over the prevalence of dogfighting in the community and an appreciation for the aggressive treatment of those cases by proficient prosecutors.

Robert T. Johnson, District Attorney
Bronx County
198 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY  10451

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