Amite Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Dogfighting Charge

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On May 17, 2023, DAVID GUIDRY, age 48, a resident of Amite, Louisiana, pled guilty to Count Three of a seven-count indictment, charging him with possession of an animal for an animal fighting venture, in violation of Title 7, United States Code, Section 2156(b), Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2 and 49(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

GUIDRY faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court records, in 2017, federal and state law enforcement investigated narcotics-trafficking in the Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana.  In the summer of 2017, an investigation led law enforcement to information that GUIDRY was hosting dogfights at his residence in Independence, Louisiana.

On October 24, 2017, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at GUIDRY’s residence, in Independence, Louisiana.  During the search, law enforcement discovered that GUIDRY possessed seven pit bull-type dogs that were restrained using heavy chains and isolated from one another, a “break stick,” a device used by dogfighters to pry open the jaw of a dog involved in a dogfight, a veterinary antibiotic intended for large farm animals, and a syringe.  After being advised of his legal rights, GUIDRY consented to an interview and admitted ownership of the seven, pit bull-type dogs.  GUIDRY forfeited ownership of the dogs.

United States District Judge, Jane Triche Milazzo, will sentence GUIDRY on September 6, 2023.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  It is being prosecuted by Matthew Evans of the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit .