KANSAS CITY - A St. Joseph man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to participating in a conspiracy to promote and participate in dog fights.

Rick P. Hihath, 55, of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith to the charges contained in a June 23 federal indictment.

Mr. Hihath admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to transport animals across state lines for an animal fighting venture. In addition to the conspiracy, Mr. Hihath also pleaded guilty to sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture.

Mr. Hihath was the promoter and sponsor of the match fights and roll fights involving pit bull fighting dogs transported from Iowa and Nebraska to Missouri. The fights took place at the residence of co-defendant Cris E. Bottcher, 48, of Gilman City, Mo.

Mr. Bottcher, a registered nurse employed at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, pleaded guilty to the same charges on Oct. 6.

The government is seeking to take legal ownership of Mr. Hihath's 12 dogs (seven pit bull terriers and five American bulldogs), as well as Mr. Bottcher's 11 pit bull terriers, all of which are in the care and custody of the Humane Society. Under federal law, the government can seek the forfeiture of any animals engaged in an animal fighting venture. Additionally, the government is seeking a court order requiring the defendants to reimburse the Humane Society for all costs incurred for care of the animals.

In a separate case that resulted from the same multi-state investigation, Jack Ruppel, 35, of Eldon, Mo., pleaded guilty on Sept. 4 to his role in a conspiracy to transport animals across state lines for an animal fighting venture and to use the mail to promote and advertise the venture. Mr. Ruppel also pleaded guilty to selling an animal for participation in an animal fighting venture.

Under federal statutes, each of the defendants is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine of up to $500,000 and an order of restitution. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.