Freeport man sentenced to jail for dogfighting crimes

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A Freeport man was sentenced today to six months in jail and five years’ probation for breeding and selling pit bulls intended for use in dogfighting.

Lonnie Poindexter, 56, pled guilty on September 18, 2024, before Judge David Sullivan to one count of prohibition of animal fighting.

As part of his probation, he is prohibited from owning any animals, a condition that will be enforced through periodic checks by probation officers over the next five years.

“This defendant bred dogs for the purpose of using them or selling them into the unconscionably cruel and illegal world of dogfighting. Exploiting innocent animals is something that my prosecutors profoundly refuse to tolerate,” said DA Donnelly. “Dogfighting is often linked to other dangerous and illegal conduct, including narcotics and weapons activity and is a threat to our communities. I continue to urge anyone in Nassau County who may be aware of dogfighting activity to contact my Animal Crimes Unit at 516-571-7755 and report it.”

The investigation into Poindexter began in 2020 when authorities discovered he was posting videos, photos, and dog pedigree information online, advertising pit bulls for sale.

The defendant used coded language and terminology familiar to the dogfighting community to promote the dogs.

After an extensive investigation, Poindexter was arrested in October 2021 at his Freeport home by members of the Nassau County Police Department.

A search warrant led to the recovery of six pit bulls used for breeding, a rape stand, a treadmill, detailed pedigree documents, and heavy chains—items all consistent with the practice of dogfighting.

Further investigation confirmed that Poindexter was breeding the dogs for that very purpose.

Poindexter was indicted by a Nassau County grand jury on June 24, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Investigative Counsel Heather Kalachman and Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Hurley of the Animal Crimes Unit, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jeremy Glicksman of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan.

Poindexter is represented by Donald Rollock.