BRONX MAN AND AN ASSOCIATE FROM NEW JERSEY FOUND GUILTY OF ANIMAL CRUELTY FOR PROMOTING DOGFIGHTS
Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that two men have been convicted on charges of animal cruelty in connection with a dogfighting operation in the basement of a private house.
Alexander Estephane, 45, of 108 East 179th Street, the Bronx, and Juan Toledo, 40, of Paterson, New Jersey, were found guilty one count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The jury convicted Estephane under section 351 -2 (d) which makes it illegal to permit animal fighting to occur on a premises that is under his control. Toledo was convicted under section 351- 2 (a) which prohibits causing an animal to engage in fighting for amusement or gain. The prohibition of animal fighting is an unclassified felony offense punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.
State Supreme Court Justice Casandra Mullen set sentencing for March 17, 2010 in Part T 22.
The crime occurred on June 14, 2008 in the basement of Estephane’s home which had been converted into a dog fighting ring made of plywood. Authorities recovered 16 pit bulls, including a badly injured dog in a cage that later succumbed to its wounds. Other animals were rescued from cages in other areas of the house and in the backyard. Investigators also recovered break sticks, which were used to disengage fighting dogs by unlocking their jaws, and syringes filled with testosterone to make the animals more aggressive.
The discovery of this illegal enterprise involving animal cruelty was the result of information developed by the New Jersey State Police during an investigation into dog fighting in New Jersey.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Brandler and James Goward of the Rackets Bureau.
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