ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - Two men, arrested during an investigation into a dog fighting ring, appeared before a judge Tuesday, May 3, 2016, on state drug charges.
Willie Jackson plead not guilty to pot possession. He is out on bond after posting $1,000. When asked after court by WQAD about the dog fighting accusations, Jackson replied, "No hablo Ingles."
Ryan Hickman plead not guilty on cocaine charges, and is still in custody. He would have to post $7,500 to bond out of the county jail.
Both were arrested on drug charges after state and federal agents recovered more than 60 dogs at several houses in what they say is an illegal dog fighting ring with ties to other states.
No charges related to dog fighting have been filed in state court, because the FBI has taken over the investigation.
"There are no dog fighting charges that have been filed to date, that is something the feds are taking, we are only prosecuting the drug charges," said Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee.
In court documents filed in federal court last week, prosecutors said they have video and photos of the alleged fights at several homes in Rock Island, and at least one in Davenport. The document also says they have identified about 15 suspects.