Mario Damon Flythe, 50, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, six months of home detention, and three years of supervised release for his role in a multi-state dogfighting conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett also imposed a $10,000 fine and a $2,800 forfeiture money judgment in connection with the case.
The sentencing, announced by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, highlights Flythe’s involvement in a dogfighting enterprise linked to co-defendant Frederick Douglass Moorefield Jr., a former Pentagon official. Flythe operated a kennel, “Razor Sharp Kennels,” and used his home to keep, train, and breed dogs for fights over several years.
Dogfighting Network Uncovered
An investigation into Flythe revealed his membership in a group known as the “DMV Board,” which operated across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Authorities uncovered extensive evidence of Flythe’s activities through cellphone records, including messages on WhatsApp and Telegram. These exchanges detailed arrangements for dogfights, breeding plans, wagers, and discussions about law enforcement investigations targeting dogfighters.
Flythe’s messages also referenced training methods for fighting dogs, which included treadmills, weighted collars, and steroids. Investigators found that Flythe obtained veterinary drugs through his dogfighting contacts rather than legitimate sources.
According to prosecutors, dogfights Flythe sponsored ended only when a dog died or its owner forfeited by removing their animal from the match.
Evidence and Rescued Animals
In September 2023, authorities searched Flythe’s property, rescuing seven pit bull-type dogs. Four were found chained in fenced-in enclosures in the backyard, while three were confined to metal cages in the basement. Flythe admitted to breeding and training dogs specifically for fighting.
The investigation that led to Flythe’s arrest began in 2018 after two deceased dogs were discovered in a plastic dog food bag in Annapolis, Maryland. This discovery ultimately exposed the DMV Board’s operations, implicating both Flythe and Moorefield.
Co-Defendant and Sentencing
Moorefield, the former Deputy Chief Information Officer for Command, Control, and Communications in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, was sentenced in December 2024 to 18 months in federal prison, six months of home detention, and a $20,000 fine. He was also ordered to pay a $21,576 forfeiture money judgment.
Flythe faced a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison but received a reduced sentence following his guilty plea to conspiracy to engage in animal fighting and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Advocacy and Reaction
Animal welfare organization In Defense of Animals applauded the sentencing of Flythe and Moorefield. The group collected over 13,900 signatures calling for maximum penalties against both men.
“It’s horrifying to think anyone would cause such extreme suffering to dogs just to make money,” said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner for In Defense of Animals. “The link between animal cruelty and human violence is well established, so we applaud authorities for shutting this illegal operation down.”
Collaboration in the Investigation
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Animal Control.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the agencies and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Levin for their work in prosecuting the case.
