Carlton R. Tucker

10 Pit Bulls seized in drug raid

East Bluff, IL   Peoria County

August 8, 2006

Peoria Animal Control Officers took custody of 10 Pit Bulls on Tuesday, August 8^th, from an East Bluff home after undercover drug agents arrested their owner for allegedly operating a drug house.  Multi-County Narcotics Enforcement Officers arrested Carlton R. Tucker, 44, of 2807 N. Peoria Avenue several blocks away from his home as a safety precaution.  Authorities knew there were dogs, but did not know if they were inside or outside or how many dogs there were.

Once agents presented Tucker with a search warrant, they led him back to his home to secure the Pit Bulls.  Inside the home, officers found 21 grams of powder cocaine with a street value of $2,100 and 64 grams of marijuana worth $400.  A digital scale and $5,000 was also seized.

Of the 10 dogs at the home, only one was inside and was very aggressive toward officers. The remaining dogs were found in pens in the back yard.  Tucker told agents the Pit Bulls were ‘show dogs’.  Authorities suspect Tucker may be using the animals for dogfights, but there was no evidence on Wednesday to support that theory.

The dogs are being kept at the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter until staff learns more about Tucker’s pending case.  Tucker was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possessing it with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Bill Motteler, PAWS shelter service coordinator stated that the Pit Bulls appeared to have nice temperaments and were not acting aggressive toward staff.  He also stated that he did not think the dogs showed any signs of abuse or injuries from fights.

Tucker had taken appropriate steps needed to own 10 pit bulls and did not appear to violate any city ordinances.  Tucker applied in 2001 for a multiple-pet license, meaning he owns five or more dogs within city limits and was given approval after an inspection which has followed every year since.  Motteler stated he was checked and approved each time, adding that Tucker had no record of any complaints against himself or his dogs.

Update August 11, 2006:

Tucker (DOB 3/11/62) faces charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana after appearing in Peoria County Circuit Court.  His bond was set at $60,000.  If convicted, Tucker faces 6-30 years in prison.

The dogs remained housed at the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter accruing boarding fees of $10 each day.  For Tucker to reclaim the dogs he will be charged a $30 redemption fee for each dog plus pickup fees.  Update August 29, 2006:  The Grand Jury indicted Tucker (case # 06CF104) on 3 counts of unlawful possession for drugs.

Reference:

The Journal Star

Peoria County States Attorney