A drug bust on the Northwest side of Jacksonville in March led to the discovery of a disturbing dog-fighting operation and a 9-foot alligator being kept in deplorable conditions. Authorities arrested 49-year-old Marquis Williams, who now faces multiple felony charges related to drugs, firearms, and extensive animal abuse.
The operation began after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received a tip about a house being used for illegal drug distribution. The SWAT Team and Narcotics Unit, supported by District 5 and 6 Task Force Officers, executed a search warrant at the residence. Inside, officers found cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana, and several firearms. Williams was arrested on multiple felony charges for the drugs and guns.
While serving the warrant, officers observed numerous dogs on the property, along with dog fighting equipment, trophies, and books. Animal control officers conducted a thorough search, uncovering additional dog fighting paraphernalia. They found multiple dogs, some kept in skyboxes and others chained, with no access to water. The dogs showed severe signs of neglect, including being covered in feces, fleas, and infections. Some had open wounds, while others had healing injuries. Other animals, including young raccoons and turtles, were found in similar conditions.
The most shocking discovery was a 9-foot alligator confined in a small, fenced area with no access to water. Bones scattered on the ground suggested the alligator was being fed other animals from the property. An FWC nuisance alligator wrangler was called to safely remove the gator.
Williams is now facing more than a dozen additional charges for animal abuse, including illegally possessing an alligator and promoting dog fighting, both felony offenses. He remains incarcerated at the Duval County jail.
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