UPDATE (7/2/2024): James A. Jackson pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment in the animal cruelty case. On July 2, 2024, Jackson received a one-year sentence for his conviction in an animal cruelty case, which will be served concurrent to his determinate sentence of two years in prison followed by 3 years of post-release supervision on a gun charge in a separate case. A final “no animal” order was issued, which prohibits Jackson from owning or caring for any animals for the next 30 years. As part of the sentencing proceeding, the charges against a co-defendant, who was also indicted for their alleged role in the dog fighting case, were dismissed.
PRESS RELEASE (3/4/2024):
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Aveon D. Lockhart of Cheektowaga and 24-year-old James A. Jackson of Cheektowaga were arraigned late last month before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging them each with the following offenses:
- Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class “E” felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
- Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
- One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
An investigation began after the Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting on April 12, 2022. It is alleged that on April 13, 2022, SPCA Serving Erie County investigators executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence on Andrews Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. Investigators allegedly recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.
The defendants, while acting in concert with one another, are accused of training three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting for amusement or gain. The defendants are also accused of intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment.
Lockhart and James are scheduled to return before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. Both defendants were released on their own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
“These defendants are accused of using cruel methods to train these dogs to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this case and other animal cruelty investigations,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn.
DA Flynn commends the SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Investigations Officer Lindsey Styborski-Wood, Cheektowaga Police Officer Joshua Katashuk and Town of Cheektowaga Dog Control Officer Aaron Kandefer for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.