Local Man Convicted of Dogfighting, Sent to Prison for at Least 7.5 Years - WCCB Charlotte's CW

Gastonia man accused of dogfighting sentenced to 7.5 years in prison: DA

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A man charged with dogfighting in 2021 and 2025 has been sentenced to nine consecutive terms totaling 90-189 months in prison, according to a Gaston County District Attorney. Rico Pagan, 53, was convicted of four counts of felony dogfighting and 13 counts of animal cruelty. In addition to the prison sentence, officials said Pagan is ordered to pay $6,523.18 in restitution to Humane World for Animals (form…

Local man convicted of dogfighting, sent to prison for at least 7.5 years - WCCB Charlotte's CW

GASTON CO., – A Gaston County dogfighter has been sent to prison for at least seven and a half years. A judge sentenced 53-year-old Rico Pagan after he pleaded guilty to four counts of felony dogfighting and 13 counts of animal cruelty. His sentencing comes after two dead dogs were found in a wooded area in Gastonia, and nine dogs were seized from Pagan’s home in 2021. Several other dogs were seized from him earlier this year.