Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Freeport man was sentenced today to six months in jail and five years’ probation for breeding and selling pit bulls for use in dogfighting.
Lonnie Poindexter, 56, pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024, before Judge David Sullivan to one count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting/AML 351 (as an E felony).
The defendant was sentenced today to six months imprisonment and five years’ probation. He is prohibited from possessing any animals during the probation period, which will be enforced through spot checks by probation officers for the next five years.
“This defendant bred dogs for the purpose of using them or selling them into the unconscionably cruel and illegal world of dogfighting. Exploiting innocent animals is something that my prosecutors profoundly refuse to tolerate,” said DA Donnelly. “Dogfighting is often linked to other dangerous and illegal conduct, including narcotics and weapons activity and is a threat to our communities. I continue to urge anyone in Nassau County who may be aware of dogfighting activity to contact my Animal Crimes Unit at 516-571-7755 and report it.”
According to the investigation, in 2020 investigators became aware that the defendant was posting videos, photos and dog pedigree information online and offering pit bulls for sale. The defendant used code words and terms known in the dogfighting community when offering the young dogs for sale.
After a lengthy investigation, in October 2021, the defendant was arrested at his home in Freeport by members of the Nassau County Police Department.
As a result of a search warrant, investigators recovered six pit bulls used for breeding, a rape stand, a treadmill, detailed pedigree paperwork and heavy chains – all consistent with dogfighting.
Further investigation revealed that the defendant was breeding the animals for the purposes of dogfighting.
The defendant was indicted by a Nassau County grand jury on June 24, 2022.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Investigative Counsel Heather Kalachman and Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Hurley of the Animal Crimes Unit under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jeremy Glicksman of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. The defendant is represented by Donald Rollock, Esq.