CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A Clay County man is among three North Florida men indicted in a federal dog-fighting case that stemmed from a multi-agency investigation into alleged dog-fighting activity.
Federal prosecutors announced Friday that Anthony Crosby, 42, of Clay County, along with Union County residents Drew Geer, 42, and Leroy Halbert, 53, were charged in connection with the alleged operation.
The charges stem from a Dec. 10, 2025, investigation that prompted search warrants at two Lake Butler properties. The Union County Sheriff’s Office said more than 40 dogs were rescued during the searches.
According to federal court records, Crosby, Geer and Halbert are each charged with possession of dogs for use in an animal-fighting venture. Crosby and Geer also face separate charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictments identify nine dogs at the center of the case. According to court records, three dogs were found at Crosby’s Keystone Heights property, three at Geer’s Lake Butler property, and three at Halbert’s Lake Butler property. Most were described as being tethered or chained, while one dog at Halbert’s property was found confined in a kennel.
Separate Union County court records reviewed by HomeFetch provide additional details about conditions at Geer’s property. According to a petition filed by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, investigators found 22 dogs on the property, including 19 living outdoors and 13 tethered on heavy chains. The filing states that 17 of the dogs were American Pit Bull Terriers and that three additional pit bulls, including a puppy in a crate, were found inside the home.
The petition alleges the dogs lacked adequate shelter and veterinary care and cites veterinary examinations documenting wounds, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, dental disease and other conditions that officials described as consistent with organized dog-fighting.
The filings do not explain how investigators identified the dogs, how long the alleged activity had been under investigation, or where the rescued animals are currently being held.
Court records show the three defendants received different release conditions following their arrests.
Crosby was released on a $25,000 unsecured appearance bond and ordered not to possess firearms or dogs while the case is pending.
Halbert was released on a personal recognizance bond and was similarly ordered not to own or possess animals, according to court filings. He is also required to undergo a mental health evaluation if directed by pretrial services.
Geer remains in federal custody pending trial, which federal prosecutors said is scheduled for July 2026.
