BUFFALO (WBEN) - After a year-long wait, 44-year-old Douglas Williams of Buffalo was arraigned Monday morning on multiple felony charges for illegal guns, narcotic, and animal cruelty, including dog fighting.
The actual charges are as follows:
-Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class "B" felonies)
-One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "C" felony)
-One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class "C" felony)
-Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Training Animal with Intent That It Will Engage in Animal Fighting (Class "E" felony under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
-Two counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class "A" misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
-Two counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class "B" misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
On October 9 of last year, Williams, who was the subject of an investigation led by the Erie County Sheriff's Office, was arrested during a traffic stop in Clarence. A search warrant was executed at the defendant's residence on Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo where an illegal firearm and a quantity of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl was recovered.
Investigators also allegedly found five dogs, believed to be used for fighting, living in inadequate conditions inside the home. Two additional dogs were inside the defendant's vehicle at the time of his arrest.
"All seven dogs had to be, unfortunately, put down," said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn. "They were all in terrible condition."
Williams was initially arraigned in Buffalo City Court on October 10, 2020 on numerous felony charges. He was released after posting bail. When the defendant failed to appear for a return court date, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
Williams was arrested by US Marshals in the Atlanta, Georgia area. He waived extradition proceedings and was transported back to Buffalo last week.
The next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, November 8, and Williams was remanded without bail.
If convicted on all charges, Williams faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.
"We're not going to tolerate dog fighting," said Flynn. "This is despicable conduct, an activity perpetrated not only in Buffalo, but across the country, and when we find it, we're going to stop it and prosecute it seriously."
