(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – A high-ranking Defense Department official has been arrested over revelations just as bizarre as they are scandalous: he has been involved in an illegal dogfighting ring for over 20 years.
The caught Pentagon operative is 62-year-old Frederick Douglas Moorefield Jr. of Arnold, Maryland. He served as “a deputy chief information officer for command, control and communications at the Defense Department,” according to his LinkedIn page, The Hill reports.
Moorefield was arrested last Thursday and was charged with “promoting and furthering animal fighting venture,” reveals an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, The Washington Post reports. He was relieved of his duties immediately after the arrest.
The Pentagon official was charged with his friend, 49-year-old Mario Flythe, of Glen Burnie, Maryland. Both have been released on bail.
Moorefield and his friend were busted after their homes were searched by police, leading to the discovery of “twelve dogs, veterinary steroids, training schedules, a carpet apparently stained with blood, and jumper cables” that can be used to kill dogs losing fights.
“We are aware of the criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. We can confirm that the individual is no longer in the workplace, but we cannot comment further on an individual personnel matter,” Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Tim Gorman said.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh did not disclose Moorefield’s level of security clearance or whether he was fired, placed on leave, or allowed to retire.
“I think these are some things that of course will come out in the investigation. Why or were behaviors caught when it should have been — that’s something that will be revealed, of course, as the Department of Justice leads this investigation,” she said.
The affidavit reveals that Flythe and Moorfield used the Telegram app to discuss dogfighting with individuals nationwide.
Moorefield nicknamed himself “Geehad Kennels” while Flythe was “Razor Sharp Kennels” for their dogfighting operations, informs a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
The two men used the messaging service to arrange dogfights and send each other videos and advice on the illegal activity.
“[They also discussed] how to conceal their conduct from law enforcement,” prosecutors said.
According to an FBI agent, they were members of a dogfighting ring called DMV Board, which had been under investigation for years.
