8 Mississippi residents among 27 arrested in Georgia dogfighting investigation

HART COUNTY, Ga. (WLBT) — Eight Mississippi residents are among 27 people arrested in connection with an alleged dogfighting operation in northeast Georgia that resulted in the seizure of 26 dogs, including three that were found dead.

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, when a deputy responded to a report of vehicles parked along Jim Heard Road.

When the deputy arrived, he saw multiple vehicles along both sides of the road and heard dogs barking and growling in a nearby wooded area.

As the deputy walked up a driveway leading into the woods, he discovered additional vehicles. Some had dog crates in their beds, several of which appeared to have blood on them, according to the sheriff’s office.

The deputy then encountered three men who turned and attempted to run when they saw him. One was taken into custody, while the other two fled into the surrounding woods.

Additional deputies from Hart, Elbert and Franklin counties responded, along with an agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.

Using three K-9 units and two drones, authorities located 20 people hiding in the woods and in a nearby field.

Four other people who arrived at the scene were determined to be connected to the operation and arrested. Two more people were found walking along a nearby road and were also taken into custody.

The sheriff’s office later announced an additional arrest for a total of 27.

Mississippi residents among those arrested

The eight Mississippi residents identified by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office are:

• Ronald Kamel Wiggins, 46, of Jackson
• Kristi Lakiah Watkins, 37, of Jackson
• Gregory Jermaine McCallun, 47, of Jackson
• Jarrod Christopher Middleton, 41, of Jackson
• Cedric Lashawn Kyle, 53, of Jackson
• Keith Montel Skinner, 33, of Kosciusko
• Jahim Brown, 23, of Lexington
• Charles Jamaruez Wilson, 38, of Sallis

All 27 individuals have been charged with dogfighting and felony cruelty to animals, according to the sheriff’s office.

Dogs, firearms and cash seized

During the initial investigation, authorities towed 27 vehicles from the scene and seized multiple dogs and firearms. Large amounts of cash were also seized as evidence.

Hart County Animal Control took custody of the animals.

Authorities initially recovered seven adult dogs, one puppy and three deceased dogs from the Hart County property.

The investigation later expanded into neighboring Elbert County.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Hart County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in executing a search warrant at a residence on Sanders Road. Investigators said the property was associated with one of the people arrested during the initial operation.

Another 18 dogs were seized, including 13 adult dogs and five puppies. Those animals are now in the custody of Hart County Animal Control.

Investigation remains active

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies and federal partners.

Sheriff Chris Carroll thanked the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Elbert County Animal Control and Hart County Animal Control for their assistance.

The sheriff’s office said additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming as investigators work to determine the full extent of the alleged operation.

The cases remain subject to the judicial process.

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