Jacksonville HS coach arrested in three-state dogfighting sting

[KFDM COOP]

JHS coach arrested in three-state dogfighting sting

Staff, wire reports

A Jacksonville High School assistant football coach is suspected of having ties to an interstate dogfighting ring.

Jerry “Scotty†Chism, 34, of Longview, and seven other residents of Gregg and Panola counties were arrested in Wednesday’s dogfighting raids across East Texas by federal agents after being named in a federal grand jury indictment handed down on June 30. Jacksonville school officials were unavailable for comment Friday.

More than 30 people from Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been arrested and more than 200 dogs seized in the busts carried out Wednesday.

“I commend the agents and officers who have worked very hard on this investigation,†U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. “In due time, we look forward to presenting all of the evidence that they have collected in federal court. I also appreciate the significant investigative assistance provided by the Humane Society. “

According to the FBI, agents and officers executed a federal arrest warrant in Panola and Gregg counties. Nine dogs, mostly pit bull terriers, were seized during a search of property in rural Panola County.

The indictment resulted from an investigation which began in October 2008, and was launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard L. Moore is prosecuting the case in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri.

“As evidenced through this and other recent investigations, animal fighting activities exist throughout the state and the country,†Special Agent-in-Charge James L. Mendenhall stated in a release provided to the Daily Progress. “The OIG will continue to pursue substantive allegations of animal fighting, and is committed to work in concert with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to that end.â€

This indictment is part of a multi-state investigation that also resulted in 19 additional defendants being charged in separate cases in three other districts.

“Dog fighting inflicts serious injuries and death upon dogs that are bred and trained to be dangerously aggressive,†said Matt J. Whitworth, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “Like many dog owners, I am appalled that such a cruel and inhumane activity occurs in our state. We will vigorously prosecute those who illegally practice this so-called sport.â€

Dog fighting is banned throughout the U.S. and is a felony in 48 states. If convicted, each faces up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Nine dogs, mostly pit bull terriers, were seized during a search of property in rural Panola County. A licensed veterinarian was on-site to examine and provide any necessary care to the dogs. Also on-site were representatives of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), who have been consulted during the investigation.

The Panola Watchman contributed to this article.

(Credit goes to the Jacksonville Daily Progress for this article)

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

[baddog]

OK all you Michael Vick supporters. Time to pay the piper. Are we going to hear how these guys were railroaded?...or how they were just trying to feed their families?.....or how they were just fighting and killing dogs?......Oh BOO HOO!!!!!  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

[Guest etbu]

I was reading this in the Marshall paper this weekend. Good job coach what a great example you have set for your kids.

[j_dog]

what in the world were they thinking if they really did it?  they should know they would not get away with it. 

[knightrider]

they ought to stick it to him. how inhumane can you get? no pity for him from me. > > > >

[w]

Knowing the trouble Michael Vick got into, why would this dummy risk his career with participation in such needless and inhumane treatment of animals?  It just doesn't make sense, ESPECIALLY since all the publicity surrounding Vick....

[baddog]

Well where is the Vick support group? Vick got two years so these guys should get the same. Oh, that's right, you are not after justice, just don't mess with the football players.

[Wes57]

It never ceases to amaze me how stupid some folks are. Lock em all up and make it longer than Vick had in prison. Maybe it will do some good for anyone interested in getting involved in something like this in the future. By the way, what kind of enjoyment could you actually get watching 2 dogs maul themselves to death.

[dawgnut]

To a person that does not have any respect for human life, what's a dogs life to them?

[baddog]

It never ceases to amaze me how stupid some folks are. Lock em all up and make it longer than Vick had in prison. Maybe it will do some good for anyone interested in getting involved in something like this in the future. By the way, what kind of enjoyment could you actually get watching 2 dogs maul themselves to death.

Just as I thought. Crickets chirping from the Michael Vick Vap-O-Rub Club.

[7mary3]

It never ceases to amaze me how stupid some folks are. Lock em all up and make it longer than Vick had in prison. Maybe it will do some good for anyone interested in getting involved in something like this in the future. By the way, what kind of enjoyment could you actually get watching 2 dogs maul themselves to death.

Just as I thought. Crickets chirping from the Michael Vick Vap-O-Rub Club.

The Federal system goes off of their set guidelines for sentencing (what role they played, past criminal history etc)...that's why Vick only got a couple of years.  What's bad about being indicted in the Federal System is there is no statute of limitations, they can go back to birth if they want  ;D

[w]

Well where is the Vick support group? Vick got two years so these guys should get the same. Oh, that's right, you are not after justice, just don't mess with the football players.

I'm not quite sure the context in which you meant this post, but in my opinion, Vick shouldn't be let back into football.  He is supposed to be a role model.  I'm not understanding why ANYBODY would want to participate in anyway whatsoever in the so-called "sport" of dogfighting. 

[Roughrider]

This clown is screwed....After he gets out of the joint he will have to start a construction company because he will not coach again....