Alvin Banks

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A federal judge sentenced the organizer of an Akron dogfighting ring on Tuesday to two years in prison for what she called his "sadistic" and "incomprehensible" crimes.

At the hearing, Alvin Banks apologized for his crimes, stating that he grew up with people who had dogs fight and did not realize the practice is inhumane. But U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan was incredulous.

"Help me understand why you thought it was OK when you saw an animal bleeding and suffering," Gaughan said.

Authorities said Banks, 56, also known as "Butch," held tournaments at his Cordova Avenue house on several occasions and was the organizer of a large-scale dogfighting ring that was busted by state and federal authorities on Nov. 15.

Eight pit bulls and pit mixes were seized during a raid of Banks' home, including two bloodied dogs fighting in a ring set up in the home's garage.

Forty-seven people, including Banks, were arrested during the raid, which Akron police called the largest dogfighting bust in recent memory. Of those, 10 people were charged federally, and the rest were charged in state court.

Authorities also seized more than $52,000 in cash, brought by those who came to bet on the matches, and found a concession stand that sold drinks and hot dogs. They also found extensive equipment used to train dogs for fighting.

Banks pleaded guilty in April to sponsoring and exhibiting a canine in an animal-fighting venture, as well as buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training and transporting canines and attending an animal fight. He also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and a drug charge.

He will be on supervised release for two years once he is out of prison. Gaughan initially said Banks may not own a pit bull once he is released, but then added, "You know what, you will not possess any dog whatsoever."

The judge also ordered Banks to pay nearly $45,000 in restitution to the Humane Society of Greater Akron, though that amount will likely be offset by payments from his fellow defendants and money from the seizure.

Of the eight dogs seized in the raid, one had to be euthanized because it could not be socialized. The Humane Society is caring for and socializing the seven remaining dogs, which were emaciated when taken from the home.

Humane Society President Diane Johnson has said the seven dogs are expected to be fully rehabilitated. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Barr said at Tuesday's hearing that finding homes for the dogs will be difficult because of their past and the possible danger to an adoptive family.