Florida Man Arrested For Keeping 9-Foot Alligator, Dog Fighting Operation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A routine drug raid in Northwest Jacksonville has unveiled a disturbing case of animal abuse and illegal activities, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).

The operation, which took place in March, led to the arrest of 49-year-old Marquis Williams and the discovery of a suspected dog-fighting ring, along with a 9-foot alligator kept in dire conditions.

The investigation began when JSO received a tip about illegal drug distribution at a residence on Orlando Avenue, near Rowe Avenue and Lem Turner Road.

On May 20, the JSO SWAT Team, Narcotics Unit, and District 5 and 6 Task Force Officers executed a search warrant at the property. They uncovered a cache of illegal substances, including cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, as well as several firearms. Williams now faces multiple felony charges related to these findings.

However, the scope of the investigation expanded dramatically as officers uncovered evidence of a suspected dog-fighting operation.

The property was littered with dog-fighting equipment, trophies, and training manuals.

Animal control officers conducting a thorough search found multiple dogs in distressing conditions.

Some were confined in skyboxes, while others were chained without access to water.

The dogs exhibited severe signs of neglect, covered in feces, fleas, and infections, with some suffering from open wounds and others showing wounds in the process of healing.

The scope expanded further with the discovery of other animals in similar states of neglect, including young raccoons and turtles.

The most shocking revelation was a 9-foot alligator housed in a small, fenced area without water.

Scattered bones on the ground suggested that the alligator was being fed the other animals on the property, painting a grim picture of the abuse occurring at the site.

An FWC nuisance alligator wrangler was called to safely remove the alligator.

Williams now faces over a dozen additional charges related to animal abuse, including illegally possessing an alligator and promoting dog fighting, both felony offenses.

The Florida man is currently behind bars at the Duval County jail.