In a shocking turn of events, a senior Defense Department official, Frederick D. Moorefield Jr., has been charged with participating in and promoting an alleged dogfighting ring in suburban Maryland. The case has garnered widespread attention as details about the cruel and illegal activities associated with this underground operation have emerged.
Moorefield, 62, who served as the Pentagon’s deputy chief information officer, and his co-defendant, Mario Flythe, 49, are now facing federal charges related to their involvement in promoting and advancing an animal fighting venture. During their initial court appearance, a federal judge ordered both defendants to be released pending trial.
According to an affidavit, Moorefield and Flythe utilized encrypted messaging platforms to communicate with individuals across the United States, discussing and organizing dogfighting activities. Moorefield operated under the pseudonym “Geehad Kennels,” while Flythe went by “Razor Sharp Kennels” to identify their respective operations.
In one disturbing exchange captured in screenshots of Telegram messages with a contact known as “BIG GOON,” Moorefield offered to bet $1,000 on a dogfight, later reducing the wager to $700. When informed that the dog had refused to fight, Moorefield callously responded with, “F— these dogs,” and declared his withdrawal from betting on others’ dogs.
Federal authorities seized twelve dogs during searches conducted at Moorefield and Flythe’s Maryland residences on September 6th. Law enforcement officers also discovered veterinary steroids, a carpet bearing signs of bloodstains, and an electrical plug with jumper cables. As stated in the affidavit, these findings align with the tools typically used to electrocute dogs that lose fights.
Moorefield’s LinkedIn profile traces his employment history with the Air Force and the Defense Department, dating back to 1989. He had been serving in his current position for the past five years. Responding to the allegations, a Pentagon spokesperson acknowledged their awareness of the criminal complaint and disclosed that Moorefield was no longer employed within the department. Further inquiries were to be directed to law enforcement agencies.
