Virginia- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted late Tuesday afternoon by a Federal Grand Jury in Richmond, Va., for one count of conspiracy to transport dogs across state lines for the purpose of dog fighting.
Vick became the focus of a federal dog fighting probe after an April 25 drug raid on his Surry County, Va., home. At that time, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment that suggested someone at the property was involved in a dog fighting operation.
Papers, filed earlier this month by federal authorities in U.S. District Court in Richmond, noted that dog fights have been sponsored by “Bad Newz Kennels” at the property since at least 2002.
Fifty-four animals were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a “rape stand,” used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.
During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were killed by members of “Bad Newz Kennels” following sessions to test whether dogs would be good fighters, the documents said.
Vick has claimed he rarely visits the Surry County home and was unaware of any criminal enterprise.