NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — Authorities in Newton County have released the names of 43 individuals arrested following a major multi-agency raid on an alleged dogfighting operation in the Call community. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Pitbull,” culminated Saturday after months of surveillance and tips from local residents.
Massive Raid and Arrests
According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), deputies — assisted by multiple state and local law enforcement agencies — executed a coordinated raid on a property off FM 1004, uncovering what officials described as an active dogfighting event.
Officers used drones equipped with heat-sensing technology to identify individuals acting as lookouts around the property before moving in.
Authorities seized:
- $73,858 in U.S. currency
- Approximately 40 vehicles
- Two dogs actively fighting at the time of the raid
Although the NCSO initially reported 45 arrests, the final number was confirmed as 43.
“This was an ongoing and organized criminal operation that our deputies, with help from partner agencies, worked tirelessly to dismantle,” said Sheriff Colton Harvard. “We will continue to investigate and hold those responsible for these acts of cruelty accountable.”
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
As of Monday evening, all but two suspects had bonded out of jail. One of the remaining suspects, Edmund Lee Parker, remains detained due to a prior warrant, while another unnamed individual has been transferred to a different agency for unrelated charges.
Authorities have not yet detailed the specific charges each suspect faces, but most are expected to be charged with animal cruelty and illegal gambling offenses.
The NCSO confirmed that “Operation Pitbull” was launched in March 2025 after receiving multiple tips and complaints from residents about organized dogfighting in the area.
List of Arrested Individuals
The following suspects were taken into custody as part of the raid:
Nino Sherean Johnson, Lashunte Monique Mims, Kyle Reginald White, Galen Fitzgerald Wells, James Hebert, Jaden Malik Smith, Eric Rashad Green, Edmund Lee Parker, Donald Wayne Woods, Dezavies Misal Taylor, Desmond Rashaud Jackson, Kenneth Wayne Scyrus, Juan Saenz, John Westley Joseph Jr., John Marshall Daniels, Jevon Matthew Stafford, Jermoxers Jernel Mitchell, Jason Angel Perez, Jarrod Wayne Johnson, Monica Smalley-Harrison, Lewis Martin Edmonson Jr., Lawrence Lee Dupree, Jarrad Tyrone Alexander, Tallis Harrison, Roosevelt Jackson, Ronald Earl Jones, Roderick Tyree Irvin, Aaron Lionel Stelly, Zachary Acosta, Tinia Trashell Armstead, Tanya Latrice Richard, Roderick Devette Morris, Robert Dewayne Guillory, Patrick Stanford, Natalie Nicole Williams, David Coleman Jr., Dantavian Jamal Collier, Corinthians Lamonth Walker, Connie Renee Guillory, Christopher Paul Thomas, Christopher Harden, Cara Whitney Fulcher, and Arin Laron Antwine.
Community Reaction and Animal Rescue
Local residents have expressed outrage and relief following the arrests, with animal welfare groups already assisting in the care and rehabilitation of rescued dogs.
The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with further information about illegal animal fighting operations to contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office at (409) 379-3636.
This case remains under investigation, with authorities expecting additional charges and potential federal involvement due to the scale of the operation.
Stay with HonkNews.com for continued updates on this developing story and related animal welfare cases across Texas.