GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Terry Lajace Lee, 43, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin announced.
“This case was built on the outstanding collaborative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, all of whom are committed to ending animal-fighting operations like this one,” U.S. Attorney Heekin said. “These crimes are heinous, cruel, and depraved, and they warrant severe punishment and condemnation.”
According to court documents, Lee conspired with others to possess, sell, and receive dogs for use in animal-fighting ventures. On May 23, 2024, for example, Lee used social media to send another person a video showing two dogs fighting. He also attempted to sell one of the dogs in the video on behalf of a co-defendant. On September 30, 2024, Lee advertised another dog for sale, describing it as a “1xw,” meaning the dog had won one fight. In addition, on or before June 6, 2024, Lee attended a dog fight held on property controlled by another co-defendant. One of the dogs Lee sponsored and forced to fight in that June 2024 event was later found on his property.
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Lee faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and Alachua County Animal Resources. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hapner is handling the prosecution.
Lee’s sentencing is set for January 26, 2027, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will take place at the U.S. Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief U.S. District Judge Allen C. Winsor.