Hart County arrests 27th suspect, rescues 18 more dogs
Tony Andre Hopps from Florida faces charges as investigators expand the multi-state dogfighting case.
By Samir Patterson ·
Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll announced Wednesday that authorities arrested a 27th suspect in the interstate dogfighting operation.
The new arrest is Tony Andre Hopps, 57, of Dade City, Florida. He joins 26 other suspects already in custody. All 27 face charges for dogfighting and felony cruelty to animals.
Investigators expanded the case on Tuesday. Hart County deputies assisted the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in executing a search warrant at a home on Sanders Road. The property links to one of the suspects arrested at the original scene on Friday. Officers seized 13 adult dogs and five puppies at the Elbert County home. They transported all 18 animals to the Hart County Animal Control facility.
The investigation began late on Oct. 30. A deputy investigating blocked lanes off Jim Heard Road found an active ring deep in the woods. A large foot chase followed. Drones and K-9 units helped deputies capture the initial 26 suspects. The group hailed from eight states and Washington, D.C.
Deputies updated the count of impounded vehicles to 27. The operation has drawn participants from Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, Michigan, Alabama, New York, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Carroll stated that dogfighting and animal cruelty are serious crimes. He said the department remains committed to holding responsible parties accountable through the judicial process. He thanked the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and Elbert County Animal Control for their partnership. He also recognized Hart County Animal Control for assisting with the seized animals.
Authorities have not released the total dollar amount of cash seized from the Jim Heard Road property. The specific medical condition and prognosis of the 26 surviving dogs from the initial site remain unknown.
