A Griffin man is accused of running dogfighting operations and stealing thousands of dollars in pandemic relief money meant for struggling businesses and workers.

What’s Happening: 34-year-old Norman Dixson faced a federal judge last week on charges that include animal fighting, animal crushing, and multiple fraud schemes. He is accused of organizing dogfighting events seven times and suffocating a dog to death.

What’s Important: Dixson also allegedly lied to get Paycheck Protection Program loans during COVID-19 and filed fake unemployment claims in Indiana for himself and others. Federal prosecutors say he submitted false tax documents to steal money from programs designed to help Americans during the pandemic.

The Charges: U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said Dixson “vicious

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