FBI Raids Detroit Rapper's Alleged Dog Fighting Operation
DETROIT (WWJ) - The FBI raided an alleged dog fighting operation Wednesday at a home on Detroit's northwest side that was featured in a video by a local rapper.
WWJ's Pat Sweeting reports animal protection agents from the Michigan Humane Society and elsewhere have rescued at least five dogs from the home on West Outer Drive, located in the city's Brightmoor neighborhood.
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee said the raid all started with a video that was posted online.
"Obviously there was a pretty well publicized video that a local rapper put out that apparently to us, to the Michigan Humane Society, gave evidence that there was potential animal abuse in the form of possibly the fighting of animals," said Godbee.
The rapper, known as Young Calicoe, has been under investigation by police ever since a video of him talking about dog fights went viral.
The video shows Calicoe on a tour of his home, leading visitors through a yard full of animal cages with roosters and pit bulls inside. The animals are described as "grand champions," presumably in the fighting ring, several times in the video that was shared on several video websites.
At one point in the video, Calicoe makes reference to Michael Vick — the NFL player who went to jail for his involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring -- saying "Anybody want fightin' dogs? I hope we don't get indicted."
The disreputable-looking pad is described in the video as country in Detroit. "We ain't country, but this is country sh**," Calicoe says in the video.
See the video HERE, but note that it's not suitable for young viewers and has graphic language.
The rapper denied the dog fighting allegation in a Twitter post on Monday, writing "If u find a video of me "FIGHTING DOGS" PLEEEEZE LET ME KNO."
Godbee would not give specific details, or comment if anyone had been arrested, but he did attribute the investigation's success to several agencies working together.
"Through a collaboration with the Humane Society, who is the lead agency obviously in this, and the animal protection unit within the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, we were able to validate that, and obviously have a successful intervention here today," said Godbee.
The chief also said he hopes this incident sends a message to others.
"I think our citizens when they have that type of information, to make sure that the Humane Society or the Detroit Police Department are made aware of it, because it's not only that, but it's the culture that it brings with it. It brings about narcotics dealing, which is frequently associated, weapons and illegal weapons are frequently associated with this type of illegal activity also," said Godbee.
As news of the raid spread, Calicoe went to his Twitter account to speak up:
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.
