Three Michigan men have been charged with dog fighting crimes, less than two weeks after agents seized 49 dogs in Lenawee and Huron counties.

U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg says it's the first time federal dog fighting charges have been filed in Michigan's eastern district, which covers Detroit and 34 counties.

The defendants are B. Jay Rodriguez of Adrian, Martin Phillips of Bad Axe and Joshua Gates of Blissfield. They're charged with conspiring to train and sell pit bulls and sponsoring dogs in fights.

Gates is in custody until a court hearing Tuesday. His lawyer's name wasn't on the court docket. Rodriguez and Phillips make their first court appearance Tuesday. Their phones were unanswered.

The maximum penalty is five years imprisonment.