Former Pentagon official pleads guilty to dogfighting charges in Maryland

Frederick Moorefield Jr., a former deputy chief information officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges in Maryland. His indictment followed an investigation that began in 2018 after authorities discovered two dead dogs in a plastic bag, leading to the seizure of veterinary steroids and equipment used for electrocuting dogs at his residence. Moorefield had reportedly been involved in dogfighting for over 20 years, maintaining a network that spanned Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The investigation revealed that Moorefield and his co-defendant, Mario Flythe, communicated through encrypted messaging to coordinate dogfighting activities and place bets. Evidence collected included mail addressed to Moorefield found with the deceased dogs, and a necropsy indicated the animals had been used in fights. During a search of his home, agents found five pitbull-type dogs in cages, along with a bloody carpet used for training. Prosecutors detailed the brutal methods employed by Moorefield, including the use of jumper cables to electrocute dogs that lost fights. One dog had to be euthanized due to extreme aggression, highlighting the dangerous environment Moorefield created. His actions not only reflect a severe disregard for animal welfare but also illustrate the organized nature of dogfighting rings. Moorefield faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for his crimes. The case underscores the ongoing issue of animal cruelty and the legal system's efforts to combat such practices, aiming to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in dogfighting and related activities.