Newark Man Faces Animal Cruelty and Drug Charges in Multi-Agency Investigation

Authorities allege pit bulls were used to kill wildlife as part of broader drug and weapons case in Newark neighborhood

A Newark man has been charged with multiple animal cruelty violations and drug offenses following an investigation into a video showing two pit bull-type dogs allegedly attacking and killing a red-tailed hawk and a stray cat. The probe also uncovered an alleged drug distribution operation and illegal firearms possession.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced that Ibn Lloyd, 38, of Newark, was charged with violating the Endangered and Nongame Species Act, third- and fourth-degree animal cruelty, and first-degree operation of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) production facility. Additional charges include CDS possession, possession within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Lloyd made his initial court appearance on May 19 and remains detained.

Six others — Aniyah Arrington, Kenneth Benbow, Jose Thornton, Darrell Bullock, Darryl Mitchell, Terrance Herring (all of Newark), and Cornelius Utley of Bloomfield — face various drug-related charges.

“In the course of investigating drug trafficking in the city of Newark, law enforcement officers also uncovered evidence of extraordinary animal cruelty,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Diligent police work resulted in our charging this defendant for those acts, as well as for serious drug and weapons offenses. This case shows the importance of the hard work our law enforcement partners do to keep all our communities safer.”

“The cruelty exhibited in these alleged acts against vulnerable wildlife is appalling,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “Every New Jerseyan should find this blatant disregard for the wellbeing of animals unacceptable. This type of behavior deepens the resolve of DEP Fish & Wildlife and our Conservation Police Officers to safeguard New Jersey’s wildlife and ensure that violators of animal cruelty laws are held accountable.”

The case began with the posting of disturbing videos in December 2024 on social media accounts allegedly linked to Lloyd. A Facebook video showed two dogs attacking a juvenile red-tailed hawk inside a fenced yard, with a male voice encouraging the attack. The footage was shared across multiple platforms with captions referencing the dogs' "prey drive." A second video, also posted in December, appeared to show the same dogs pursuing and later carrying what looked like a dead cat.

Investigators identified the voice and property seen in the videos as belonging to Lloyd, with the events taking place at a South 6th Street residence. Social media interactions suggest Lloyd initially confirmed the hawk’s death before reportedly walking back his comments following online backlash.

A broader investigation into a suspected drug trafficking operation led to the execution of search warrants on May 2 at addresses on South 6th Street, Jelliff Avenue, and a 2008 Buick Enclave. Authorities recovered crack cocaine, packaging materials, Naloxone strips, and paraphernalia.

Law enforcement also discovered several weapons, including handguns, a nail gun modified to mimic an automatic weapon, and high-capacity magazines. A bulletproof vest and a two-way radio were also seized, contributing to the weapons charges.

“This case involved the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police investigating horrific animal abuse and New Jersey State Police identifying suspected drug distribution at the same location,“ said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “We will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies across the state to prosecute complex cases that keep our communities safe. DCJ and our partners spent months doing the day-to-day investigative work that is necessary to root out illegal drug trafficking operations. In addition to the dangerous drugs that were seized from several locations and the evidence of horrific animal abuse, serious weapons violations were uncovered.”

“The scope of these charges underscores how dangerous this individual is to the community,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “From endangering wildlife to operating a drug production facility near a school and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, his alleged actions reflect a blatant disregard for the law, for public safety, and human and animal life."

The case is being prosecuted by the DCJ Environmental Crimes Bureau, under Deputy Attorneys General Amy Sieminski and Brian Carney, and Assistant Attorney General Alyssa Bloom. Investigating agencies include the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife Conservation Police, NJ State Police, and the DCJ Environmental Crimes Bureau.

If convicted, Lloyd faces a potential sentence ranging from 18 months to 20 years, depending on the severity of each charge. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.