Nassau Man Bred, Sold Pit Bulls For Dogfighting: Prosecutors

FREEPORT, NY — A Nassau man has been indicted on felony charges after prosecutors said he bred and sold pit bull dogs for dogfighting.

Lonnie Poindexter, 54, of Freeport was arraigned Thursday on a felony count of prohibition of animal fighting/AML 351, a felony, and two misdemeanor counts of the same charge.

Poindexter pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. The charges do not qualify for bail under state laws, prosecutors said. He is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 15.

If convicted of the felony charge, he faces up to four years in prison.

Investigators learned in 2020 that Poindexter posted videos, photos and dog pedigree information online, and offered pit bulls for sale, prosecutors said. He used code words and terms known in the dogfighting community when marketing the young dogs, they said.

Poindexter was arrested in October at his home. Investigators found six pit bulls used for breeding, a "rape stand," a treadmill, detailed pedigree paperwork and heavy chains, all consistent with dogfighting prosecutors said.

He was indicted June 24.

Anne Donnelly, the Nassau County district attorney, called dogfighting an "unconscionable blood sport.

“Dogfighting is barbaric and cruel, and those who partake in the blood sport are often linked to gang and drug activity,” Donnelly said in a statement.