Court Issues Probation In Local Animal Combat Case
Alex Benefield, 54, a teacher at Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, received a two-year probation sentence Tuesday following convictions related to illegal dogfighting operations. The Deerfield Beach resident was identified as a major figure in South Florida’s underground dogfighting network through federal court documents.
In January, federal agents raided his residence and found 36 pit bulls confined in cages, many showing signs of injury. Benefield pleaded guilty in September to two counts of possessing, training, and receiving dogs for fighting as part of a prosecutorial agreement.
Prior to sentencing, Benefield requested that incarceration be avoided. Several employees from his workplace submitted letters emphasizing his community mentorship through football coaching and automotive instruction.
On the same day, Tramaine Randall received a one-year probation term for comparable offenses. Current legal proceedings involve claims to ownership of the seized animals and puppies born while under U.S. Marshals’ custody.