A 53-year-old man from Hacienda Heights, California, was charged Wednesday with allegedly operating an illegal dog fighting ring and possessing firearms, authorities announced.
Details of the Case
Raymond Nuñez was arrested this morning and charged at the downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse. He faces charges related to an animal fighting venture, including breeding, training, and exhibiting dogs for fighting. He is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Nuñez’s home on Tuesday. The search yielded an AK-47 and ten additional firearms stored in a safe within the master bedroom. Agents also discovered an emaciated pit bull chained and bleeding in the yard, and another pit bull with scars confined to a bloody cage.
Court documents indicate the alleged operation ran from at least December 2025 through February 2026. During the search, agents also recovered items used in the alleged dog fighting operation, including dog treadmills, a scale for weighing dogs, a skin stapler, and syringes.
Authorities allege Nuñez illegally possessed firearms despite this prior conviction. If convicted on the current charges, Nuñez could face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Investigation and Potential Next Steps
The FBI and the United States Marshal are investigating the case. A possible next step is a preliminary hearing where evidence will be presented to determine if the case proceeds to trial. It’s also likely that further investigation will occur to determine the full scope of the alleged dog fighting operation and any potential co-conspirators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Raymond Nuñez facing?
Raymond Nuñez is charged with buying, delivering, and possessing animals for an animal fighting venture, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
When was Raymond Nuñez arrested?
Raymond Nuñez was arrested this morning, Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
What was found at Nuñez’s home during the search?
Federal agents found an AK-47, 10 firearms, an emaciated pit bull, another pit bull with scars, dog treadmills, a scale for weighing dogs, a skin stapler, and syringes.
What role does the public play in combating animal cruelty and illegal activities like this?
