Cherokee County Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy In Connection To Dog Fighting

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

CHEROKEE COUNTY -- A Cherokee County man is waiting to be sentenced after pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge, following a massive dog fighting bust that has spanned several states. Federal prosecutors say he served as referee for several dog fights. 

It has been called the biggest dog fighting raid in history.

Some say it's entertainment, and others call it barbaric.

"Americans are appalled at this blood sport," said Stephen Eberle, an animal activist.

Federal prosecutors call dog fighting a crime. Last summer, undercover agents infiltrated dog fighting rings in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and in Oklahoma.

"Most Oklahomans think this happens in other states, in other countries, this happens right in your backyard," said Eberle.

A man from Stillwell got swept up in one of the raids. Federal prosecutors say in January of 2009, Jerry Matlock served as a referee for several dog fights, about seven miles outside of Tahlequah. Court documents show one fight lasted more than an hour. It goes on to reveal, when one dog would no longer fight, Matlock handed over $3,000 to the winning dog's owner.

"This is really showing how abominable and how unacceptable dog fighting is in this country," said Eberle.

Eberle says since Michael Vick's high profile prosecution for dog fighting, felony convictions have tripled.

"Because this is so underground, all we know are the convictions, which are just the tip of the iceberg," said Eberle.

Matlock's attorney says he accepted responsibility early on and that's why he pled guilty to conspiracy. He could get up to five years in federal prison.