- October 9, 2024
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During Halifax Humane Society’s recent "Fur Ball" fundraiser this week at the Ocean Center, Seventh Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorneys Mike Willard and Daniel Megaro received the 2023 "Champion for Animals" award for their dedication and success in a 2021 dog fighting ring case.
On February 22, 2021, the Daytona Beach Police Department, with help from Volusia County Animal Services, seized 42 dogs from a vacant lot and an adjoining residence located on Reva Street in Daytona Beach. Upon further investigation, detectives discovered that the dogs were being bred and then used in an organized dog fighting ring. All of the dogs were either chained or caged for isolation and many had wounds that were in different stages of healing consistent with organized dog fights.
Noble Geathers, who was determined to be the leader of the organized dog fighting ring, and his two co-defendants were charged the following month with a long list of felony counts.
In May 2023, Willard and Megaro took the case against Geathers to trial. After five days of testimony and argument, a Volusia County jury found the defendant guilty of 12 counts of Principal to Felony Cruelty to Animals, nine counts of Principal to Animal Fighting and one count of Animal Fighting-Property Promoting. Geathers was then sentenced to 18 years in prison.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza introduced Willard and Megaro at the ball Wednesday night before Halifax Humane Society CEO Adam Leath presented them with their plaques.
“How we treat other living things is a reflection of our heart and soul," Larizza said. "We will continue to aggressively prosecute and seek lengthy prison sentences for those who choose to commit such crimes."
