INDIANAPOLIS — Thirteen members of the “34th Street Gangster Disciples,” a criminal enterprise involved in dogfighting, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking in Central Indiana for over two decades, have been sentenced in federal court.
The sentencing follows a massive September 2023 crackdown that resulted in charges against 21 individuals. That initial raid led to the seizure of more than 40 firearms, various narcotics, $55,000 in cash, and the rescue of approximately 90 dogs. To date, more than 100 dogs have been recovered from the operation.
Investigations revealed that the illicit organization had been operating in the Indianapolis area since June 2001. The enterprise began to unravel following a routine traffic stop in Mississippi involving Edward Bronaugh. Officers discovered Bronaugh was transporting 11 pit bulls in various states of health; a subsequent forensic review of his cell phone exposed the scale of the Indianapolis-based dogfighting network.
“Dog fighting is not only an unspeakable cruelty; it also harms the communities where it occurs by fueling illegal gambling and often intersecting with other criminal activity,” said Tom Wheeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Sentences Handed Down
The following 13 individuals were sentenced in Indianapolis federal court for their roles in the conspiracy:
| Name | Primary Charges | Sentence |
| Brent Hutchinson, 45 | Dogfighting conspiracy; Cocaine distribution (500g+) | 5 years, 6 months |
| Robert Hamer III, 43 | Dogfighting; Felon in possession of a firearm | 5 years, 5 months |
| Ryan Hicks, 39 | Dogfighting (7 counts); Felon in possession of a firearm | 5 years |
| Charles Richardson III, 46 | Dogfighting; Felon in possession of a firearm | 3 years, 10 months |
| Edward Bronaugh, 60 | Dogfighting conspiracy and exhibition | 3 years, 6 months |
| Daymond Mason, 51 | Dogfighting conspiracy and exhibition | 2 years, 10 months |
| Maurice Ervin, 46 | Dogfighting conspiracy and exhibition (4 counts) | 2 years |
| Willie Lee, 59 | Dogfighting conspiracy | 1 year, 9 months |
| Donovan Tipler, 33 | Dogfighting conspiracy and exhibition | 8 months |
| James Croons, 37 | Dogfighting conspiracy and exhibition (2 counts) | 8 months |
| Marvin Johnson Jr., 49 | Dogfighting conspiracy | 8 months |
| Christopher Norfolk, 51 | Dogfighting conspiracy | Time Served |
| Marven Carswell, 73 | Dogfighting conspiracy and exhibition (2 counts) | Time Served |
All defendants will also serve terms of supervised release ranging from two to four years following their imprisonment.
While 13 members have been sentenced, 10 additional defendants are still awaiting their final sentencing hearings. Officials noted that the conduct of this group aligns with established links between animal abuse and broader community violence.
“The individuals involved in this operation demonstrated a shocking disregard for the suffering of these animals,” Wheeler added, noting that the sentences represent a major step in securing justice against the escalating criminal threat posed by the gang.
