Jury Finds Williams Guilty of Animal Fighting and Drug Charges

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Marquis Williams guilty of Possession of Controlled Substance; Illegal Killing, Possessing, or Capturing of Alligators or Crocodilia or Eggs; three counts of Fighting or Baiting Animals; nine counts of Animal Cruelty; and Possession of Less Than 20 Grams of Cannabis. With the verdict, Williams faces up to 65 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Anthony Salem will sentence Williams on a later date.

On May 20, 2025, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on Williams’ home. Williams was detained outside the home. Detectives searched his truck, home, and property and located cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana. Six dogs were recovered from the property and showed signs of severe neglect. Extensive dog fighting tools and paraphernalia were found throughout the inside of the home and backyard. A live, large adult alligator was recovered from a fenced area in the backyard with no water available. An additional search warrant was then served on an associated property across the street where three more dogs were found in very poor condition. Additional dog fighting tools and paraphernalia were found throughout the inside of this property and backyard. Another search warrant was executed, and more evidence of illegal dogfighting was found on the cellphone of Williams.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Duval County Animal Care and Protective Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Andrew Szatkowski and Cyrus Zomorodian.