Man convicted of dogfighting operation that included an alligator

A 50-year-old Jacksonville man at the center of an elaborate dogfighting and drug operation that even included a 9-foot alligatorhas been found guilty of multiple charges. Marquis Lamont Williams faces up to 65 years in prison when he's sentenced at a later date, according to the State Attorney's Of

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A 50-year-old Jacksonville man at the center of an elaborate dogfighting and drug operation that even included a 9-foot alligatorhas been found guilty of multiple charges.

Marquis Lamont Williams faces up to 65 years in prison when he's sentenced at a later date, according to the State Attorney's Office. He was found guilty on Aug. 6 of illegal killing, possessing or capturing of alligators or crocodilia or eggs; three counts of fighting or baiting animals; nine counts of animal cruelty; possession of controlled substance; and possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.

In May 2025, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office SWAT and narcotics unit executed a search warrant on Williams’ home on Orlando Avenue near Lem Turner Road and Edgewood Avenue.

Detectives found cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana, several firearms and dogfighting tools and paraphernalia. Six dogs were recovered from the property and showed signs of severe neglect, according to the State Attorney's Office.

"Some dogs were kept in skyboxes while others were chained," the Sheriff's Office said at the time. "None had access to water. The dogs showed serious signs of neglect, including being covered in feces, fleas and infections. Some of the dogs had open wounds, others had wounds that were in the process of healing. The officers found other animals in similar condition, including young raccoons and turtles."

This 9-foot alligator is secured at the scene of a drug and dogfighting investigation on a Jacksonville property that resulted in an arrest.

The kicker was a massive alligator in a small, fenced area. It had no access to water, but bones were scattered on the ground.

An additional search warrant was served on an associated property across the street where three more dogs were found in very poor condition. Another search warrant was executed, and more evidence of illegal dogfighting was found on the cellphone of Williams, the State Attorney's Office said.

Scott Butler has been an editor/reporter specializing in public safety coverage for 26 years with The Florida Times-Union. He can be reached at sbutler@jacksonville.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Man convicted of dogfighting operation that included an alligator