Target: Melissa Nelson, State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit, Florida
Goal: Impose the maximum prison sentence, lifelong animal-ownership ban, and mandatory restitution on the individual who allegedly ran a brutal dog-fighting and wildlife-abuse operation.
Scores of animals were reportedly discovered in nightmarish conditions during a law-enforcement raid on a residence tied to drug trafficking. Officers say chained and caged dogs were left without water, coated in feces and fleas, some bleeding from untreated wounds. Nearby, trophies, training devices, and manuals allegedly revealed an organized dog-fighting enterprise fueled by suffering.
As the search widened, authorities claimed they found raccoons, turtles, and—most shockingly—a nine-foot alligator confined to a cramped pen devoid of water. Scattered bones suggested smaller animals may have been tossed in as live food. Investigators state that every creature on the property showed signs of neglect or injury. The suspect now faces multiple felony charges including promoting dog fighting, abusing animals, and illegally possessing the alligator.
Allowing plea deals or light sentencing would minimize the horror these animals reportedly endured and weaken Florida’s stance against organized cruelty. Sign below to demand a full felony conviction, substantial incarceration, restitution for veterinary care, and a permanent prohibition on owning animals to honor the victims and deter future abuse.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State Attorney Nelson,
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that Marquis Williams maintained dozens of neglected dogs, wildlife, and a nine-foot alligator while allegedly orchestrating a dog-fighting operation. Officers describe dogs chained or crammed into “skyboxes” with no water, festering wounds, and flea-infested coats. They also recount an alligator imprisoned without water, surrounded by bones that apparently belonged to previous live feedings.
These allegations depict calculated cruelty far beyond simple neglect. Florida law classifies dog fighting, aggravated animal cruelty, and illegal possession of an alligator as serious felonies precisely because such acts endanger animals, public safety, and community well-being. Anything less than the maximum penalty would betray that legislative intent and the victims who suffered in silence.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue the highest possible sentence, require lifelong forfeiture of animal ownership, and secure restitution for rehabilitation of every rescued creature. A decisive response will affirm that systematic abuse has no refuge in this circuit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Everglades National Park
