Arrests made in dog fighting case
SPCA official: Charges against others expected as much evidence left behind
Three suspects have been charged in connection with an alleged dog fighting ring broken up by the Asbury Park police on Nov. 18, and more arrests are expected, according to Victor “Buddy” Amato, chief of police for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [SPCA].
Police arrived while the dog fighting was allegedly underway, and participants scattered as the officers moved in, Amato said. Police found five cars in the driveway of the Prospect Ave. home, in which crates with four pit bulls were found, the Sun previously reported. A total of eight dogs were recovered from the site, Amato said.
“They fled while the police were there,” he said. “They were bailing out, going over the back fence. They left so fast, they left clothing, wallets. They left their cars.”
The FBI is also conducting forensic testing on some evidence found at the scene, including blood and fibers, said Amato.
“There’s going to be a lot of charges on others,” he said. “It’s not good for anyone’s community to have this going on.”
The three suspects are all Asbury Park residents who live on Prospect Avenue, where the bloodied dogs were found, Amato said.
Steven Spencer, 38, is charged with the third-degree crime of being present and participating in a dog fight, and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail with no 10 percent option at the Monmouth County Jail, said Amato.
Naimah Sims, 22, is charged with the third-degree crime of providing and allowing a place for dog fighting, he said. Her bail was set at $25,000 with no 10 percent option, according to Amato.
Wayne Accoo, 29, is charged with failure to provide proper sustenance, Amato said. “That means failing to provide basic care, such as veterinary care,” he said. That charge is a disorderly persons offense, Amato said.
The investigation is being led by Sgt. Bill Hyers of the Monmouth County SCPA, with the assistance of Detective Larry Donato of the state SPCA’s Major Crimes Unit, Amato said. The Asbury Park and Shrewsbury police departments have also participated in the investigation, he said.
Amato praised the work of the Asbury Park major crimes unit in the case under the direction of chief Mark Kinmon. “They’ve been outrageous,” he said. The Shrewsbury police also provided information in the case, and the arrests were made in that borough, Amato said.
