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Ocala couple pleads guilty to attacking black bears with trained dogs

OCALA, Fla. (AP)–A Florida couple plead guilty to using treats to entice black bears then allowed packs of dogs to attack them, recording the gruesome incidents and posting them on social media.

Charles Scarbrough plead guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering, animal baiting and fighting, unlawful use of a two-way communicating device and unlawful taking of a black bear, as reported by the AP.

He agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, leading to his sentencing being deferred. He could get anywhere from five years probation to over two years of prison time.

Hannah Scarbrough, his wife, received over five years of probation on charges of unlawful taking of a black bear and unlawful use of a communication device. She also owes $3,850.23 to the state for prosecution costs. She also must pay the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission $22,847 for its investigation.

According to officials, at least one bear was shot and skinned by the Scarbroughs. They were part of a group who used trained dogs to attack bears in multiple areas of central Florida

The post Ocala couple pleads guilty to attacking black bears with trained dogs appeared first on NBC2 News.

NBC2 (WBBH-TV)

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