DOG FIGHTING RINGLEADER AND DRUG DEALER ARRESTED

October 12, 2020
By: Erie County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Scott Zylka

Defendant is on Parole and has a Conviction for Similar Cruelty Charges

UPDATE Oct. 13: Williams Arraigned >>

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the arrest of 43-year-old Douglas Williams of Buffalo on October 9 for drug and animal cruelty charges following a month-long investigation led by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit initiated an investigation after receiving reports of armed drug dealing and dog fighting occurring at a Bailey Avenue residence. The investigation culminated in the defendant’s arrest following a traffic stop in Clarence and the execution of a search warrant at Williams’ home.

During the traffic stop on Friday, Deputies rescued two American Bull Terriers believed to be en route to Williams’ residence for dog fighting activities.

In the afternoon and following the traffic stop, the ECSO SWAT Team executed a search warrant at his dwelling where five additional dogs were rescued. The dogs showed signs of severe abuse. Also recovered in the raid was a loaded 9mm handgun, cocaine, fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia.

Williams was arrested and charged with felony counts of:
• Criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell;
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance; and
• Criminal possession of a loaded firearm.

He was also charged with felony counts of:
• Aggravated cruelty to animals; and
• Permitting animal fighting on one’s premises.

In addition to the felony counts, he is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal use of drug paraphernalia.

The defendant was taken to the Erie County Holding Center and was released on October 10, following his arraignment and posting $40,000.00 bail/bond.

Williams is currently on parole for his involvement in a violent home invasion. He has a previous conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals and two separate federal convictions for firearm possession.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is treating and caring for the terriers.

Williams’ arrest resulted from an investigation conducted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Buffalo Police Department’s Intel Unit, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, and The SPCA Serving Erie County.