A Wilcox County man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to 40 counts of possessing dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture. The case followed an investigation spanning multiple Georgia counties and resulted in the rescue of 40 dogs.
Bernard Wallace, 54, of Rochelle, Georgia, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, fined $4,000 and ordered to serve three years of supervised release, according to an October 27, 2026, announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen and announced by U.S. Attorney Margaret E. “Meg” Heap. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
According to federal prosecutors, the investigation dates back to September 2022, when the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of animal cruelty involving a property in Knoxville, Georgia.
Investigators discovered 35 dogs chained outside without access to food or water. Most lacked adequate shelter and were malnourished, according to court documents and testimony described by federal authorities.
Two years later, in October 2024, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office began receiving similar complaints involving a property in Wrightsville. Investigators determined that Wallace owned the Wrightsville property and was the same individual connected to the earlier Crawford County complaints.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General was brought in to assist with the investigation. Federal investigators reported finding dogs chained to trees and barrels, with inadequate access to food and water. Authorities also determined that Wallace used Facebook to sell animals.
According to a December 10, 2024, report by Southeast Georgia Today, Wallace was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office on December 8, 2024, on 25 initial counts of animal cruelty.
The following day, authorities seized 40 dogs from the Johnson County property. The animals were transported to an undisclosed rescue and care facility for medical attention.
The earlier report also indicated that investigators were examining evidence of animals being kept under similar conditions in multiple Georgia counties.
The ultimate disposition of the original state animal cruelty allegations was not specified in the federal sentencing announcement.
In December 2024, investigators from the USDA Office of Inspector General, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Wrightsville property.
According to federal prosecutors, investigators discovered dogs housed in conditions intended to foster aggression. The animals were chained to objects that severely restricted their movement. Authorities also located equipment used to breed dogs and train them for fighting.
The investigation ultimately resulted in Wallace pleading guilty to 40 federal counts of possessing dogs for an animal fighting venture.
“Thanks to the diligent, collaborative efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners, this defendant’s operation has been permanently dismantled,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We remain deeply committed to prosecuting animal fighting ventures and protecting the community from those who foster violence and neglect.”
USDA Inspector General John Walk also addressed the case.
“Dogfighting is violent and inhumane, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture OIG will continue to pursue those who commit this heinous crime,” Walk said. “I commend our USDA OIG special agents, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and law enforcement partners who brought this defendant to justice and rescued 40 dogs from ongoing cruelty.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, USDA Office of Inspector General, U.S. Marshals Service, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control, and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
It was prosecuted by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica K. Rock and Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.
While authorities confirmed that 40 dogs were rescued and taken for care, the federal sentencing announcement did not provide information about their eventual placement or current condition.
Sources: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia, October 27, 2026; Southeast Georgia Today, December 10, 2024.
