Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - 24-year-old James A. Jackson of Cheektowaga was sentenced to a one-year sentence on Tuesday for his conviction in an animal cruelty case, which will be served concurrent to his determinate sentence of two years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision on a gun charge in a separate case.
The animal cruelty investigation began after the Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting on April 12, 2022. The next day, SPCA Serving Erie County investigators executed a search warrant at Jackson's residence on Andrews Avenue in Cheektowaga.
Investigators recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.
Jackson admitted that he trained three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting and intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment.
Jackson pleaded guilty to all eight counts
In March 2024, Jackson also pleaded guilty before Judge Bargnesi to one count of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "D" felony) in a separate case.
Last year, Buffalo Police officers stopped Jackson after witnessing him fail to stop his vehicle at the intersection of Genesee Street and Floss Avenue.
Jackson, who had a suspended driver's license, drove off when asked by the officers to exit his vehicle. After causing a collision with another vehicle nearby, Jackson exited the vehicle and attempted to run from police, but was quickly apprehended.
During the investigation, a loaded, illegal handgun was found inside of his vehicle behind the driver's seat. The gun was submitted into evidence for further testing. Prosecutors say he was linked to the illegal gun through DNA evidence.
