370 pit bulls rescued

Three area residents – two from Elba and another from Brantley – were arrested in Friday’s federal dog-fighting raid near the Coffee-Covington county line on U.S. Hwy. 84.

The arrests came after nearly 370 pit bulls were rescued during a federal dog fighting raid in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia on Friday following a three-year investigation, authorities revealed Monday.

Authorities say it is the second-largest dog-fighting raid in U.S. history.

William Antone Edwards, 42, of Brantley; William Oneil Edwards, 39, and Robin Stinson, 40, both of Elba – along with seven others – were arrested following the execution of 13 search warrants on a 30-count indictment that alleges, between 2009 and 2013, the suspects conspired to promote and sponsor dog fights, and conspired to possess, buy, sell, transport and deliver dogs that were involved in dog fighting, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama released.

The indictment also charges the suspects with promoting or sponsoring a dog fight and with possessing, buying, selling, transporting and delivering a dog for fighting purposes. Additional charges also relate to conducting an illegal gambling business.