A man accused of running a dogfighting ring who was representing himself in court decided to plead guilty four days into his trial.

Rico Pagan, 53, of Gastonia , was convicted of four counts of felony dogfighting and 13 counts of animal cruelty. Superior Court Judge Karen Eady-Williams sentenced Pagan to nine consecutive active prison terms, totaling 7 ½ to more than 15 years in prison. In addition to the prison sentence, Pagan was ordered to pay $6,523.18 in restitution to Humane World for Animals and $1,769.88 to Gaston County.

Pagan came under investigation on March 15, 2021, when two decomposed dogs were found in a wooded area alongside Queens Road in Gastonia.

He was then charged with dogfighting and animal cruelty.

Nine dogs were seized from Pagan’s residence in 2021 after Gaston

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