Michael Vick Indicted in Va.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted late Tuesday afternoon by a Federal Grand Jury in Richmond, Va., with violating federal laws against competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines. Vick will now have to turn himself into authorities under federal law.

The indictment alleges that Vick and three co-defendants began sponsoring dogfighting in early 2001, the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year with the Falcons.

It accuses Vick, Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor of "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting an animal fighting venture," of conducting a business enterprise involving gambling, as well as buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture.

Vick became the focus of a federal dog fighting probe after an April 25 drug raid on his Surry County, Va., home. At that time, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment that suggested someone at the property was involved in a dog fighting operation.

Papers, filed earlier this month by federal authorities in U.S. District Court in Richmond, noted that dog fights have been sponsored by "Bad Newz Kennels" at the property since at least 2002.

Fifty-four animals were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a "rape stand," used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.

During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were killed by members of "Bad Newz Kennels" following sessions to test whether dogs would be good fighters, the documents said.

Vick has claimed he rarely visits the Surry County home and was unaware of any criminal enterprise.