Man pleads in dog-fighting ring bust

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A man involved in a busted Kalamazoo County dog-fighting ring has pleaded guilty to one of four counts against him.

Leonard Turner pleaded guilty Sept. 24 to one count of animal fighting as part of a plea deal. Specifically, he admitted to knowingly permitting a building or property to be used for the training of fighting animals.

Nearly 50 dogs were removed from two Kalamazoo County homes in August when authorities from the Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement, along with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police and Humane Society of the United States, busted the ring.

---- Photos: Dog-fighting bust in Kzoo County ----

Turner was arrested Aug. 6 at his Kalamazoo Township home. He was the second man to be arrested. Kelvin Thomas was arrested Aug. 3.

In exchange for Turner's plea, the Kalamazoo County prosecutor agreed to recommend probation for Turner, but reserved the right to request jail time.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 19.