Central Indiana Drug Trafficking and Dog-Fighting Ring Crackdown Continues

More than a dozen defendants sentenced, 10 more await sentencing in federal case.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a dog collar and chain against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the harsh realities of the dog-fighting operation uncovered by authorities.This crackdown on a central Indiana dog-fighting ring exposes the brutal reality of animal abuse and its links to broader criminal networks.Indianapolis Today

A federal judge has imposed around 30 years' imprisonment on more than a dozen members of a central Indiana gambling operation and dog-fighting ring, with 10 more defendants still awaiting sentencing hearings. The defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to engage in a dog-fighting venture, a federal felony.

Why it matters

Dog fighting is not only an unspeakable cruelty, but it also harms communities by fueling illegal gambling and intersecting with other criminal activity. This crackdown aims to dismantle a large-scale criminal operation that demonstrated a shocking disregard for animal suffering.

The details

The defendants were involved in various roles, including maintaining dogs for fighting, serving as handlers, and other specific duties like refereeing, training, breeding, driving, and scouting locations. Law enforcement found firearms, ammunition, and extensive dog-fighting paraphernalia during searches of the defendants' residences.

  • In September 2023, investigators uncovered the large-scale dog-fighting and illegal gambling operation in Indianapolis.
  • On April 13, 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced the sentencing of 13 defendants.

The players

Edward Bronaugh

Sentenced to three years and six months in prison and two years of supervised release.

Tom Wheeler

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, who stated that the sentences mark a significant step toward securing justice against an escalating criminal threat.

James Sweeney II

The Southern District Court Chief Judge who imposed the federal dog-fighting sentences on the 13 defendants.

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What they’re saying

“Dog fighting is not only an unspeakable cruelty; it also harms the communities where it occurs by fueling illegal gambling and often intersecting with other criminal activity. The individuals involved in this operation demonstrated a shocking disregard for the suffering of these animals — conduct that aligns with the well‑established link between animal abuse and violence against people.”

— Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana

What’s next

The 10 remaining defendants are still awaiting sentencing hearings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the broader issue of animal cruelty and its connections to other criminal activities, such as illegal gambling and drug trafficking. The significant sentences handed down demonstrate the justice system's commitment to addressing these intertwined problems and protecting vulnerable animals and communities.