On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Patrol Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office received information from an anonymous caller pertaining to a possible dog fighting event that was occurring on Sena Lane east of Statesville.
Deputies, along with members of Iredell County Animal Services, responded.
Officers went to the dead end of Sena Lane, which leads to a field and llocated over 20 vehicles. As they approached the vehicles, multiple subjects fled on foot while others attempted to flee in vehicles.
The deputies, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, were able to contain all vehicles.
Based on the investigation, it was determined that the actual fight was about to take place as the deputies arrived.
Deputies were able to locate a fighting ring in the nearby woods, with sides of the ring numbered one through four, which was determined to be used for a dog fighting event to take place. Deputies also located medical supplies to care for the dogs after fighting and a hanging scale to weigh the dogs. Due to evidence located on the scene and the number of subjects involved, deputies determined that this location has been used for these types of events multiple times in the past.
Iredell County Deputies were assisted by the Iredell County Animal Control, who seized and rescued five dogs on the scene, including one which was locked inside a vehicle that had been left on the scene.
The subjects have all been entered as “Wanted Persons” by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
James Faron Morrison of E. Greenbriar Road, Statesville
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Phillip Alexander Stevenson of South Meeting Street, Statesville
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Curtis Alexander Bowers Jr. of Warrior Road, Lenoir
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Sean Lennell Burton of Barnswallow Lane, Mooresville
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Maurice Moore of Farmhurst Drive, Charlotte
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Maurice Leon Washington of Firelight Lane, Charlotte
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Tomocka Gladden of Martin Hill Avenue, Asheboro
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Keith Deshawn Robinson of Kilkenny Avenue, Greensboro
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy, Misdemeanor Resisting Public Officer
Jashari Malik Billups of Sidney Crest Avenue, Charlotte
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy, Felony Identity Theft, Misdemeanor Resisting Public Officer,
Thomas Duane Bennett of Clay Avenue, Charlotte
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy, Misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals
Maurice Kentrell Nance of Giff Street, Newberry, S.C.
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy
Johnathan Marquis Baxter of Player Street, Newberry, S.C.
Charges: Felony Dog Fighting, Felony Conspiracy