A Williamsburg-area man who cooperated in the investigation of Michael Vick's Bad Newz Kennels was given three years probation and fined $500 but not sent to jail yesterday.

"I'm not in any way condoning your actions," U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson told Oscar Allen shortly before sentencing him. But, added the judge, "I'm convinced your cooperation was instrumental."

The bespectacled Allen, 67, balding with a graying beard, is considerably older than Vick and the three other men convicted in connection with the dog fighting ring.

Aside from advising the participants, Allen sold Bad Newz a female pit bull named Jane in 2001. He pleaded guilty last October to violating the same law as did Vick and the three other defendants.

The four all received prison time. Vick received the most: 23 months. The National Football League suspended the Atlanta Falcons quarterback in August.

Yesterday, assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Gill told Hudson that Allen, "came in and cooperated without any type of immunity and protection. . . . It was a significant factor in [the others'] decision to plead guilty."

A retired New York transit worker, Allen had no criminal record and cares for his 88-year-old mother, said Allen's lawyer, Robert J. Wagner.

Hudson told Allen, "Your case is in an entirely different class." Hudson noted that aside from attending dog fights, Allen did not harm any of the dogs. The other defendants were involved in the deaths of dogs that did not fight up to expectations.

Asked if he had anything to say prior to sentencing, Allen said, "I'm very sorry for what I have done." Hudson then accepted the government's recommendation that Allen not serve any time.
Contact Frank Green at (804) 649-6340 or fgreen@timesdispatch.com.