Four men have been convicted in New Jersey for their roles in an illegal, multistate dog-fighting operation.

A jury deliberated for about six hours Tuesday following a three-week trial before convicting Justin Love, of Sewell, Robert Elliott, of Millville, Dajwan Ware, of Fort Wayne, and Indiana and Robert Arellano, of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The defendants were convicted on multiple counts, including unlawfully possessing and trafficking in fighting dogs.

Each count carries a prison term of up to five years.

Their sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20.

The trial closes an investigation dubbed Operation Grand Champion that resulted in five other guilty pleas.

The U.S. attorney's office says the investigation has led to the rescue of more than 120 dogs.