Dogfighting ring charges dropped against brothers

TYLER – Two brothers arrested on dogfighting charges in 2024 had those charges dropped after they both pleaded guilty to other charges recently.

Kerry Jones, 36 of Tyler, and Michael Jones, 32 of Tyler, were both arrested after nearly 60 dogs were found near a residence on County Road 4136 in Tyler on Sept. 9, 2024.

Our news partner KETK spoke with Michael’s lawyer Matt Bingham after a pre-trial hearing on Thursday. Bingham said that Jones wasn’t connected by evidence to any of the dogfighting that allegedly took place at his brother Kerry’s property. Given the lack of evidence against him, Michael was able to take a plea deal that allowed him to only plead guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds. According to Bingham, the dogfighting charges and a cruelty to non-livestock animals charge have been dropped as part of his plea deal.

Michael has been sentenced to 11 months in jail and given credit for time served since he’s been in Smith County Jail for the past 13 months, according to Bingham.

Bingham told KETK News that Michael knew nothing about the alleged dogfighting but that they understood the seriousness that law enforcement has in cases like this.

“We understand that law enforcement had to do its part,” Bingham said. “We’re just glad it’s over.”

Michael’s brother Kerry was also charged with two dogfighting charges and possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds. Those charges were dropped against Kerry and he pleaded guilty to cruelty to non-livestock animals on Oct. 9 and was sentenced to serve 10 years in state prison.

Michael’s release date has not been set.