TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Waskom man has pleaded guilty to dogfighting-related charges in federal court.

Anthony Blake Hanks, 39, was charged with conspiracy to violate animal welfare laws and possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting enterprise. He pleaded guilty Wednesday before Magistrate Judge Roy S. Payne.

Hanks waived his case presentation to the grand jury, choosing instead to enter a plea before a district judge. His charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

As part of his sentence, Hanks was ordered to surrender all weapons to a party outside his home. He is not allowed to own a dog during his probation and is no longer allowed to own pitbull type dogs.

Hanks was released following his plea hearing and his sentence will continue at a later date.

Relating to:

• Waskom man faces federal charges after 49 fighting dogs were found on property

Copyright 2024 KLTV. All rights reserved.