More guilty pleas in dog-fighting bust

The men busted in a multi-state, multi-agency dog-fighting raid back in July continue to plead guilty to federal charges.

The latest:

• Zachary R. Connelly, 32, of Ogden, Iowa
• Ryan J. Tasler, 42, of Woodward, Iowa
• Julio Reyes, 29, of Tecumseh, Nebraska

Reyes admitted to transporting some of his fighting pit bulls to dog-fighting impresario Cris E. Bottcher‘s farm in rural Missouri two times during the spring of 2009. Connelly admitted he’d done the same once. Tasler admitted to helping Connelly.

All three men face up to five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution, according to U.S. Attorney Matt J. Whitworth‘s office. The men will be sentenced following an investigation by the United States Probation Office.