A Massachusetts man, John D. Murphy, has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison after pleading guilty to nine counts related to dog fighting. The sentence includes three months of community confinement, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine.
Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury last year after being identified on recorded calls discussing dog fighting, with subsequent searches of his Facebook accounts revealing his involvement in such activities. A federal search warrant executed at his residence in Hanson in June 2023 led to the seizure of numerous items associated with dog fighting, including breeding and training devices, literature, and medical supplies.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division highlighted the brutality of dog fighting, noting that it is often linked to illegal gambling and other organized criminal activities. Gustafson commended the collaborative efforts between various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in prosecuting this case.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts emphasized the cruel and profit-driven nature of Murphy's actions. "This sentencing marks a historic moment in the first federal dogfighting conviction in Massachusetts and serves as a stark warning: those who engage in this barbaric practice will be exposed, prosecuted and punished."
Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the USDA’s Office of Inspector General reiterated the commitment to pursuing individuals involved in animal fighting. The case was investigated by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and supported by several law enforcement agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecutorial team consisted of Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown for the District of Massachusetts.
To report animal fighting crimes, individuals are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the USDA’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline.