A LaGrange man was sentenced to 20 years in prison this week after previously being convicted of dealing drugs and fighting dogs, authorities said.
Demetris Deshan Kennedy, 32, was the center of a monthslong drug investigation when authorities found five mistreated pit bull mixes at his home, AJC.com previously reported. The dogs, which were found tethered with logging chains that weighed more than 10 pounds each, had wounds from a recent fight, prosecutors said.
RELATED: LaGrange man convicted of dogfighting, drug dealing
Authorities also found dogfighting training paraphernalia inside a shed near his home, which is off Bonaventure Drive. Three guns, body armor, ammunition and 11 ounces of marijuana were also seized during Kennedy’s arrest.
In February, Kennedy was convicted on three counts of dogfighting, four firearm-related charges and a count of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.
His sentencing was initially scheduled for late March, but it was delayed until Tuesday. In addition to his time behind bars, Kennedy will spend 10 years on probation, Assistant District Attorney Jack Winne said.
“We are pleased that this illegally armed animal abuser was held accountable and hope that this resolution sends a message to those who operate in the dogfighting underworld that District Attorney Herb Cranford’s offices will seek appropriately stiff sentences for such depraved conduct,” Winne said in an emailed statement.
Kennedy, a repeat felon, had previously been convicted of selling cocaine in 2009 and selling marijuana in 2007, authorities said. Both convictions were in Troup County.
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Credit: AJC
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