Kerry Jones, left, and Michael Jones

The trials of two Tyler men accused of running a suspected dogfighting ring are scheduled for May.

Brothers Kerry Jermon Isiah Jones, 35, and Michael Cameron Jones, 31, are accused in a dogfighting operation busted by law enforcement in September. Michael was set to go to trial in January, but court records show his trial is now expected to begin in May. A hearing was held last week for Kerry, whose jury trial was scheduled for March 31. But Kerry’s trial has been continued and is now scheduled for May, according to court records.

Both trials will be held in Judge Debby Gunter’s 241st District Court. Kerry’s pre-trial hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. April 24 with the jury trial scheduled for 9 a.m. May 5 in Gunter’s courtroom. Michael’s pre-trial hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. May 1 with the jury trial set to begin at 9 a.m. May 19.

Each brother faces one felony count of animal cruelty and two counts of dogfighting — participating in the earnings and providing a building for the operation. The Joneses were also each indicted in February on a third-degree felony charge of marijuana possession of 5 to 50 pounds.

The brothers were arrested on Sept. 9, 2024, after an inspection at their mobile home on County Road 4136 in Tyler led to the seizure of 59 dogs and two cats that were living in “horrible” conditions.

An anonymous tip prompted authorities to investigate, concluding the property was being operated as an extensive dogfighting operation. Officers found dozens of injured dogs in poor conditions; many were chained, confined to cages, or forced to exercise on treadmills with heavy weights. Many of the dogs showed signs of abuse, including fresh injuries consistent with dogfighting, and some had severe scars. Authorities also uncovered a makeshift dogfighting arena on the property.

Kerry’s legal representation is listed as attorney Gerald Smith, while Michael is being defended by Matt Bingham, former Smith County District Attorney, according to judicial records.

Ahead of their trials, Kerry is expected to appear for a plea docket agreement hearing at 1:30 p.m. April 10, while Michael’s plea docket hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. April 17.

The brothers remain in the Smith County Jail.