KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A St. Joseph man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to dogfighting charges.

Rick P. Hihath, 55, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to promote and participate in dog fights in federal court.

Hihath works for a state school for the handicapped and participated in a conspiracy to transport animals across state lines for an animal fighting venture. Hihath also pleaded guilty to sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture.

Hihath admitted to being the promoter and sponsor of the match fights and roll fights involving pit bulls from Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. Hihath said the fights took place at the residence of co-defendant Cris E. Bottcher, 48, Gilman City, Mo.

Bottcher, a registered nurse employed at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, Mo., pleaded guilty to the same charges on Oct. 6, 2009.

U.S. Attorney's officials said they want to take ownership of Hihath's 12 dogs and Bottcher's 11 dogs. The dogs are currently in custody of the Humane Society.

In a separate case from the same investigation, Jack Ruppel, 35, of Eldon, Mo., pleaded guilty on Sept. 4, 2009 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. Ruppel also pleaded guilty to selling an animal for participation in an animal fighting venture.

In 2008, Ruppel, who operated Ozark Hillbillies Kennel, admitted he became involved in breeding, raising, training and selling dogs for participation in animal fighting ventures. Through his kennel, Ruppel said he bred, trained, conditioned and developed pit bull terriers both for participation in animal fighting ventures and to represent himself in animal fights ventures and dogfighting competitions.

Ruppel admitted he attended or participated in 10 dog fights between July 19, 2008, and April 18, 2009, including one dog fight at his residence, and that he wagered money on some of the dog fights.

Ruppel also admitted that he killed some of his dogs who would not fight, or had not fought well enough to meet expectations. The government is also seeking to take ownership of Ruppel's 46 dogs.

The charges Ruppel has been convicted of feature a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and up to a $500,000 fine.