By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced serious charges against a Newark man accused of orchestrating a disturbing case of animal cruelty while also operating a drug production facility and possessing illegal firearms.
Ibn Lloyd, 38, of Newark, is facing multiple charges including animal cruelty for allegedly directing his two pit bull-type dogs to attack and kill a red-tailed hawk and a stray cat.
He is also charged with first-degree drug offenses for operating a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) production facility and with several weapons violations, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
Lloyd was taken into custody and detained following his initial court appearance on May 19, 2025.
Authorities say the investigation began in December 2024, when videos surfaced on social media showing dogs attacking a hawk and, later, a cat.
The clips were posted to accounts allegedly linked to Lloyd, with captions suggesting the animals were being encouraged to attack under the premise of “prey drive” — a term often used to describe predatory instincts in dogs.
The red-tailed hawk, a protected species under the Endangered and Nongame Species Act, was seen struggling as the dogs lunged at it, with a voice in the background urging the attack. In a separate video, the same dogs appeared to pursue and kill a stray cat.
Authorities confirmed that the recordings were taken at a residence in the 400 block of South 6th Street in Newark, where Lloyd was believed to live.
In addition to the animal cruelty allegations, Lloyd and seven co-defendants were implicated in a months-long investigation into drug trafficking in Newark.
Law enforcement conducted search warrants in early May at multiple properties, including a vehicle, seizing crack cocaine, packaging materials, and drug paraphernalia. The location of the operation was within 1,000 feet of a school zone.
Officers also recovered several weapons, including a loaded handgun, modified firearms resembling automatic weapons, high-capacity magazines, a bulletproof vest, and communication equipment.
These findings led to additional charges against Lloyd for unlawful weapon possession.
Co-defendants Aniyah Arrington, Kenneth Benbow, Jose Thornton, Darrell Bullock, Darryl Mitchell, Terrance Herring, all of Newark, and Cornelius Utley of Bloomfield were also charged with various drug offenses in connection with the operation.
Officials from the Division of Criminal Justice and the Department of Environmental Protection condemned the acts.
“The cruelty exhibited in these alleged acts against vulnerable wildlife is appalling,” said NJDEP Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “Every New Jerseyan should find this unacceptable.”
“This case highlights how animal cruelty, drug trafficking, and weapons crimes often intersect,” added Attorney General Platkin. “Thanks to dedicated investigative work, we are holding those responsible accountable.”
The charges against Lloyd range from first to fourth degree. If convicted, he faces significant prison time, with first-degree offenses carrying up to 20 years.
The investigation remains ongoing.