MARQUIS LAMONT WILLIAMS arrested for dogfighting following a drug bust – A 9-foot alligator was also found on the property

- Florida, USA -

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrested 49-year-old MARQUIS LAMONT WILLIAMS (pictured).

It all started with a tip that deputies received back in March about a house on the Northwest side of Jacksonville that was being used to distribute illegal drugs.

When authorities executed a search warrant on the property, they discovered more than just illegal substances and firearms. The sheriff’s office said they found multiple dogs as well as dogfighting equipment, trophies, and books.

According to the press release, none of the dogs had access to food or water. Some of them were kept in skyboxes, while others were chained. The poor souls displayed serious signs of neglect, including being covered in feces, fleas, and infections. Furthermore, they had open wounds as well as wounds in the process of healing.

Animal Care and Protective Services responded to the scene to remove the dogs.

The search further led to the discovery of young raccoons and turtles also in poor health condition.

In a small, fenced area, authorities stumble upon a 9-foot alligator.

The sheriff’s office said: “The alligator had no access to water in the cage; bones scattered on the ground suggested he was being fed the other animals on the property.“

The reptile was safely removed by an alligator wrangler who responded to the scene.

At the time of writing, records show that WILLIAMS is being held into the Duval County Jail on more than a dozen felony charges for animal abuse, including illegally possessing an alligator and promoting dogfighting.

According to court records, WILLIAMS’ next court date is scheduled for July 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

WILLAIMS’ mugshot shared from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

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