AMERICUS — Two more suspects were arrested in the recent dog fighting ring busted up in January by the USDA, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, with help from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Sumter County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Col. Eric Bryant, confirmed the latest arrests Tuesday afternoon. Leslie A. Myers II, 40, of Tallahassee, Fla., turned himself in to authorities here on Friday. He was charged with dog fighting, and was released on bond. Then on Monday came Germany Brockington, 40, of Ambrose, along with his attorney, to turn himself in. He, too, was charged with dog fighting, and was released on bond.
These arrests stem from a raid of a dog-fighting ring on Jan. 21 near Leslie that resulted in the arrests of eight people, and the seizure of approximately $18,000 in cash and eight vehicles, as well as the rescue of three dogs. Those arrested are from Americus, Jackson, Douglas, Hoboken, Fitzgerald, in Georgia, and Jacksonville, Fla. Two more suspects were arrested
This brings the arrest total to 12. Bryant said one more suspect remains at large.
When the search warrant was served on the property of Chester and Narcissus Pitts, 3340 Sam Hill Road, Leslie, authorities found a 15’ x 15’ carpeted pit on top of plywood. Three men and two dogs were in the pit. Capt. Ralph Stuart of the Sumter County Sheriff Office’s investigative division said the second dog fight was in progress at the time. Both of those dogs were rescued and one was taken to a local veterinary hospital where it was “battling for its life.” In the first fight, he said, the winner’s owner won money while the losing dog was hanged.

Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith reiterated the lawlessness of those involved in this gruesome “sport.” He said most often, dog fighters are involved in other illegal activities such as drugs and gambling.
— Beth Alston