A Freeport man was sentenced to six months in jail and five years’ probation for breeding and selling pit bulls for use in dogfighting.
In 2020, investigators became aware that Lonnie Poindexter was posting videos, photos and dog pedigree information online and offering pit bulls for sale. He used code words and terms known in the dogfighting community when offering the young dogs for sale. After a lengthy investigation, in October 2021, Poindexter was arrested at his home by members of the Nassau County Police Department.
As a result of a search warrant, investigators recovered six pit bulls used for breeding, a rape stand (used to strap and immobilize female dogs for breeding purposes), a treadmill, detailed pedigree paperwork and heavy chains – all consistent with dogfighting.
Further investigation revealed that Poindexter was breeding the animals for the purposes of dogfighting.
On June 24, 2022, Poindexter, 56, was indicted by a Nassau County grand jury. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024, before Judge David Sullivan to one count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting/AML 351 (as a Class E felony). On January 22, 2025, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment and five years’ probation. He is prohibited from possessing any animals during the probation period, which will be enforced through spot checks by probation officers for the next five years.
“This defendant bred dogs for the purpose of using them or selling them into the unconscionably cruel and illegal world of dogfighting. Exploiting innocent animals is something that my prosecutors profoundly refuse to tolerate,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “Dogfighting is often linked to other dangerous and illegal conduct, including narcotics and weapons activity and is a threat to our communities. I continue to urge anyone in Nassau County who may be aware of dogfighting activity to contact my Animal Crimes Unit at 516-571-7755 and report it.”