Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Erie County Sheriff's Deputies say they've arrested a man on animal cruelty and drug charges. They say he was a ringleader in dogfighting.
Deputies say they received several reports of armed drug dealing and dogfighting occurring at a Bailey Avenue residence. They say they found 43-year-old Douglas Williams during a traffic stop in Clarence, where they rescued two American Bull Terriers believed to be en route to Williams’s residence for dogfighting activities.
Following that traffic stop Friday, the ECSO SWAT Team executed a search warrant at his home where five additional dogs were rescued. The dogs showed signs of severe abuse. Also recovered in the raid was a loaded 9mm handgun, cocaine, fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia.
Williams was arrested and charged with felony counts of:
· Criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell;
· Criminal possession of a controlled substance; and
· Criminal possession of a loaded firearm.
He was also charged with felony counts of:
· Aggravated cruelty to animals; and
· Permitting animal fighting on one’s premises.
In addition to the felony counts, he is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal use of drug paraphernalia.
Williams was taken to the Erie County Holding Center and was released on Saturday, following his arraignment and posting $40,000 bail/bond.
Williams is currently on parole for his involvement in a violent home invasion. He has a previous conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals and two separate federal convictions for firearm possession.
The SPCA Serving Erie County is treating and caring for the terriers.