DMV Dogfighting Conspiracy Leads To Stafford Man's Conviction: Court

ALEXANDRIA, VA – A 45-year-old Stafford man was convicted in federal court on Monday for his role in an interstate dogfighting ring that operated from at least May 2015 through August 2020.

Mark Joseph Rodriguez, aka “Slow Poke,” and his co-conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland used a message app private group, generally known as "The DMV Board or "Board," to hide their discussions from law enforcement, according to evidence presented at trial. Rodriguez and others exchanged information on The Board about training fighting dogs, videos about dogfighting, and methods of killing a dog that had lost a fight.

Members of the group also used the app to arrange and coordinate dog fights and to share media reports of conspirators who had been caught by police. This latter use was seen as a way to discuss how to avoid getting caught, according to court documents.

At various times, Rodriguez took part in arranging dog fights, some of which he officiated. One co-conspirator described him as "the most recognized ref on the east coast," according to court documents. On The DMV Board, Rodriguez also shared information about fights, explained his refereeing decisions and discussed articles about the prosecution of other defendants.

Rodriguez was convicted on the charge of conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. He is due back in court on July 2 for his sentencing, when he will face a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Rodriquez's conviction came after six co-conspirators recently pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge. Here is the status of the six co-conspirators:

• Eldridge Jermaine Jackson, aka “Big Head,” “4bhead,” and “4b,” 48, of Temple Hills, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 18. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 18.
• Larry Alston, aka “Big Goon,” 49, of Windsor Mill, Maryland pleaded guilty on March 21. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 18.
• Bashawn Allen, aka “Bey,” “425,” and “425 Money Boy$,” 34, of Trenton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on March 21. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 18.
• Dandre Patrick Wallace, aka “Abstract,” 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 21. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 18.
• Isacc Jermaine Weathersby, aka “Big Fist,” “CROUSA,” “KingCro TC,” and “Team CRO,” pleaded guilty on March 22. He is due back in court for sentencing on June 18.
• Charles Edward Davis Jr aka “Cat Daddy” and “Deep in the Game,” 44, of Woodbridge, Virginia, pleaded guilty on March 28. He is due to be sentenced on July 2.

Six other people connected to the dog-fighting ring have already been convicted and sentenced. Here are the details about those cases as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia:

On Nov. 29, 2022, Derek Aaron Garcia, aka “Fatal Attraction,” 40, of Woodbridge, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture, and Ricardo Glen Thorne, aka “Rip,” 53, of Camp Springs, Maryland, pleaded guilty to advertising an animal for use in an animal fighting venture. On March 7, 2023, U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema sentenced Garcia to 10 days in prison and Thorne to one year in prison.

On Nov. 9, 2022, Michael Roy Hilliard, aka “No Dayz Off,” 38, of Fort Washington, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On March 1, 2023, Judge Brinkema sentenced Hilliard to six months in prison.

On Nov. 4, 2022, Charles Edward Williams III, aka “Never Say Never,” 50, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Feb. 21, 2023, Judge Brinkema sentenced Williams to two years in prison.

On June 16, 2023, Tarry Jeron “TJ” Wilson, aka “Tejai” and “City Limits,” 39, of Warsaw, Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 20, 2023, Judge Brinkema sentenced Wilson to two years in prison.

On Nov. 10, 2022, Laron Mecco West, aka “Frog” and “Get Sick,” 47, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. West passed away on Feb, 10, 2023, prior to sentencing.