Tony Taylor, co-defendant in Michael Vick case, pleads guilty

One of the co-defendants in the Michael Vick dogfighting case, Tony Taylor, has pleaded guilty on Monday.

Tony Taylor, co-defendant in Michael Vick case, pleads guilty The 34-year-old Tony Taylor of Hampton Virginia has entered a guilty plea on Monday. He is one of the three other co-defendants in the dogfighting case involving the Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Taylor, who initially pleaded not guilty, went to court on Monday and changed his plea under a plea barging and agreed to fully cooperate with the investigation. Sentencing for Tony Taylor is scheduled for December 14th of this year.

Michael Vick, Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips all submitted not guilty plea last Thursday in Virginia. The trial for all is scheduled for November 26th.

All of the defendants are accused of running an illegal dogfighting ring, known under the name "Bad Newz Kennels", and transporting dogs across state lines to participate in illegal dog fights. Taylor also stands accused of helping to buy pit bulldogs and puppies, and of executing at least two dogs "who did not perform well in testing sessions", according to prosecutors. Michael Vick is also being accused of allegedly killing eight dogs.

If found guilty, all men face up to 6 years in prison plus fines up to $350,000. To read about the dogfighting scandal involving Michael Vick, follow the links below.

Published on 07/30/2007