Dog-Fighting Ring In South Jersey Leads To Federal Charges For 2 Men: Officials

SOUTH JERSEY — Two men coordinated a dog-fighting operation in South Jersey, federal authorities said Monday.

Tommy J. Watson, of Clayton, and Johnnie Lee Nelson, of Bridgeton, participated in and facilitated the conspiracy that organized and hosted the fights, according to their federal indictment. "Underperforming" dogs were killed, including by hanging, officials said.

Nelson and Watson trained, transported and possessed pit bull-type dogs that were forced to fight between August 2019 and March 2021, the indictment says. Several fights occurred in an auto-repair garage on Center Road in Upper Deerfield Township, Cumberland County, according to law enforcement.

Watson and other unnamed individuals communicated through Telegram Messenger, including as part of the "DMV Board" — a dog-fighting collective spanning several states — officials said. He and co-conspirators posted livesteams of fights, videos of training dogs for fights, solicitations and gambling information for fights, and videos of underperforming animals getting killed, according to the indictment.

Dogs were trained around Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties, authorities said.

Nelson and Watson possessed and trained a dog named Rambo for a fight on March 23, 2019, authorities said. Watson, of Clayton, also brought Rambo and do-it-yourself veterinary equipment to the event, according to law enforcement.

Police raided the garage that day and prevented that fight from occurring. But law enforcement found two other dogs concealed in a car after they already fought, officials said. It wasn't immediately clear whether both suspects or others had faced charges.

The Nov. 28 indictment charges both suspects with conspiracy and several violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Watson was also charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Nelson was arrested Tuesday, while Watson surrendered Monday to authorities.