By KIP BURKE,news editor

 

This pit bull, one of nine seized in Tuesday's raid, shows obvious signs that he is an experienced fighting dog.

Washington Police and other police agencies have broken up "a very well-organized" dog-fighting ring based in the Baltimore community that authorities say may have been responsible for the deaths of many animals, including pets used as "bait animals" for the fighting dogs.

Arrested in the Tuesday evening raid were Tavaris "Weasel" Ramsey, 31, and his wife, Lawanda.

Since January, authorities had been getting tips from neighbors around Pierce Street off Baltimore Road concerning dog-fighting and drug dealing, and reports of missing dogs and other pets.

Working on those tips, Washington investigators arranged for informants to make controlled buys of drugs from the house at 112 Pierce Street. Another citizen had reported that Tavaris Ramsey was found in possession of a pit bull that was not his. Based on this and other information, the authorities obtained separate search warrants to look for evidence of both dog fighting and drug sales, Lt. J.D. Nelson said.

Law enforcement officers, including WPD Lt. Benny Johnson and Parole Officer Mark Bryngleson, searched the Pierce Street property for evidence including animal remains.

Late Tuesday afternoon, March 17, the two search warrants were served by officers from the Washington Police, Wilkes County deputies, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a Taliaferro County deputy and K-9 officer, and state probation and state parole.

Inside the house, officers found cocaine and marijuana, plus scales and packaging for drug sales. There was also alcohol available for sale.

Checking the property, which backs to a large wooded area on the eastern edge of the city, officers found nine pit bulls that they say had been used to fight. Further searching uncovered eight to 10 carcasses of both dogs and cats, which may have been local pets Ramsey had used as "bait animals," authorities said. "There’s a good possibility some pets have wound up at 112 Pierce Street as victims of these pit bulls," one said.

Nelson said that Tavaris Ramsey, who has an extensive police record, has been charged with multiple felony counts of violating Georgia’s new dog-fighting law, which makes it a felony to own, possess, train, transport or sell a dog for the purpose of dog fighting. Those involved in illegal dog fighting, as Ramsey is alleged to be, can receive one to five years in prison, a minimum fine of $5,000 or both on each count, and Ramsey is facing at least eight counts.

State experts will be examining the remains of animals found at the site to determine the exact cause of death, which may result in further dog-fighting charges.

Both Tavaris Ramsey and Lawanda Ramsay are charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of drug-related objects; and sale of alcohol without a license.

Tavaris Ramsey is also charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon; theft by receiving stolen property; and with possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony.

Authorities also confiscated two cars and a truck, fishing boats and expensive appliances. Nine fighting dogs were also confiscated and removed to a secure location. Authorities say that the investigation is ongoing.

 

Law enforcement officers, including WPD Lt. Benny Johnson and Parole Officer Mark Bryngleson, searched the Pierce Street property for evidence including animal remains.