Round Lake Beach man charged with running dogfighting operation
A Round Lake Beach man accused of running a dogfighting operation from his home pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County circuit court.
Enrique Hernandez-Jaimes, 38, faces up to three years in prison if convicted of felony dogfighting.
Assistant State's Attorney Tim Niehus said Round Lake Beach police received a tip there was dogfighting at Hernandez-Jaimes' house in the 1400 block of Lotus Drive and took a search warrant there July 2.
Niehus said police found three adult pit bulls that had markings and scratches indicative of dog fighting, and nine pit bull puppies.
Police also found a collection of chains, metal bars and other equipment associated with dogfighting, and photos of the dogs fighting each other, Niehus said.
Two adult dogs had to be euthanized, Niehus said, and the remaining dogs were adopted by a rescue organization.
Associate Judge Daniel Shanes scheduled a trial of the case for Nov. 30 and ordered Hernandez-Jaimes to appear in court Oct. 21.