Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, Va., entered his plea in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
One of Atlanta Falcon's Quarterback's Michael Vick's co-defendants, Taylor also agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Taylor said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government.
Codefendant Says Michael Vick Funded Ring
U.S District Judge Henry Hudson asked Taylor, "You're pleading guilty and taking your chances, right?"
Taylor responded, "Yes." He faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Taylor and his attorney, Stephen Hudgins of Newport News, refused to answer reporters' questions as they left the federal courthouse after the 15-minute hearing.
Vick, the star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty last week to similar charges.
Michael Vick Pleads Not Guilty to Dogfighting Charges Falcon's Owner: Vick Indictment Will Not Compromise Team NFL Quarterback Michael Vick Due in Court July 26 on Dogfighting Charges Gruesome Details in Indictment Naming NFL Quarterback Michael Vick in Dogfighting Case NFL Quarterback Michael Vick Indicted in Dog Fighting Case A federal indictment claims that Taylor found the Surry County property that Vick purchased and used as the site of "Bad Newz Kennels," a dogfighting enterprise. Federal prosecutors also allege that Taylor helped buy pit bulls and killed at least two dogs that performed poorly in test fights.
Vick, along with 35-year-old Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach and 28-year-old Quanis Phillips of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.