Key Figure In Walking Horse Scandal Set To Plead Guilty In Chattanooga On Tuesday

  • Saturday, May 19, 2012

A key figure in the Tennessee Walking Horse scandal aimed at trainers involved in "horse soring" is set to plead guilty in Chattanooga on Tuesday morning.

Jackie McConnell is due to appear before Federal Magistrate Court Judge Bill Carter.

According to papers filed in Federal Court, he will plead guilty to one count and all other charges will be dismissed. A 52-county indictment had been issued against him, Jeff Dockery, John Mays and Joseph R. Abernathy. Abernathy and Mays are also set to appear in court Tuesday.

McConnell was in the news this week when the Humane Society of the United States released a video showing him repeatedly hitting a horse in the face - allegedly to teach the horse not to flinch when he was being checked for signs of soring.

McConnell, who is from Collierville in West Tennessee, but is a big part of the walking horse industry centered at Shelbyville, had his license revoked by the association there.

McConnell had a grand champion at Shelbyville in the late 1990s.  

Breaking News
Catoosa County Goes To Court To Recover Cost Of Cleaning Up Toxic Waste
  • 1/21/2025

Catoosa County filed a lawsuit in State Court to protect the public’s health and taxpayers from the cost of cleaning up and properly disposing of toxic materials used by chemical and carpet manufacturers ... more

Kelly Administration Proposes $29.9 Million Budget Amendment To Invest In Key Priorities, Shore Up Police And Fire Pension Fund
  • 1/21/2025

The Kelly Administration on Tuesday unveiled a proposed $29.9 million budget amendment that invests in key priorities like road paving and public safety while transferring $18 million to the ... more

Man Arrested In Connection With Burglary Of CBD Store In Bradley County
  • 1/21/2025

A man has been arrested in connection with a burglary of a CBD store in Bradley County. On Jan. 10, deputies with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a burglary at ... more