After a two-year-long drug investigation, on February 5 of this year Camden Sheriff’s Office arrested two people - Desmond B. White B/M 35 and Maurice Baum B/M 37 - on federal drug charges and executed four federal search warrants at four different locations in Elizabeth City.
The suspects are being held without bond on federal drug charges.
Several agencies came together for the drug-related investigation and bust:
Camden Sheriff’s Office
Elizabeth City Police Department
Federal Drug Enforcement Agencies (DEA)
North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NCALE)
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI)
Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office
White the operation was drug related, officials also found incriminating evidence about dog fighting activities by White and Baum.
Using the assistance of Elizabeth City Police, Camden and Perquimans Sheriff’s Office, and the expertise of the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office started a large crackdown on dog fighting activities that were discovered. Officials seized 45 dogs from three properties in Elizabeth City and one property in Camden. They also removed fighting equipment for fight training of dogs and stimulants to enhance fighting abilities.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was asked to assist in this operation by Sheriff Randy Cartwright. HSUS has provided critical assistance thus far.
Additional evidence has been located in the investigation that uncovered two more properties connected with White and Baum. From these two properties, officials seized another 35 dogs and more incriminating evidence.
Chris Schindler, manager of animal fighting investigations for HSUS, said, “Aggressive investigation of allegations of animal fighting is essential to maintaining community safety and protecting dogs from such gruesome cruelty. We are grateful for the leadership of the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and all the agencies involved for their dedication to this case.”
It is understood that this case will have a major impact on monetary and man power involvement.
Schindler said, “We had to open an emergency shelter for the dogs causing our local SPCA to run two shelters which drives up cost and requires a lot of extra man power. Our SPCA needs anyone’s help in donating time, money or anything else that can help with the care of the animals and the case. The HSUS provided hands-on assistance on two of the raids and in financially supporting the housing and care of the dogs for the next 30 days, while the courts determine the custody of the dogs.”
HSUS experts on animal fighting are continuing their help to Sheriff’s Office with the animal-related investigation. They are reviewing evidence and further investigating. In addition, they can be counted on to provide expert testimony at the trial.
Based on HSUS’ policy that seized dogs are treated as individuals, each animal will be evaluated and a determination made whether it can be placed with the Dogfighting Rescue Coalition placement partners.
HSUS extends its thanks to PetSmart Charities for providing food, supplies and toys for the dogs.
Sources and additional reading: WVEC, WAVY, WTKR
Video links: Two face drug charges and Dogfighting involvement
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