YULEE, Fla. -- Michael Brown of Callahan was charged with animal cruelty after Nassau County investigators said they found dozens of malnourished dogs at his home.

Nassau County Sheriff Tommy Seagraves said deputies and animal control officers acting on a tip went to Brown's home on Zwiefel Road Wednesday. Authorities found 28 bulldogs and mixed breed dogs that authorities suspect were used in dog fighting.

Seagraves said most of the dogs had scars on their heads and front legs, indicative of fighting. Deputies also found wood pieces that appeared to be part of a "fight box."

Of the dogs on the property, only two caged puppies had food or water available.

"Their rib cages were showing," Seagraves said. "The dogs had scars on their face and on their leg."

Brown, who is employed by the Transportation Safety Administration as a screener at Jacksonville International Airport, was booked into the Nassau County Jail. He has since posted $20,006 bond and was released.

The dogs were transported to the Nassau County animal shelter.

Brown was charged with animal cruelty, animal possession used to fight or bait, and possession of equipment used to fight or bait dogs.

"It's a serious allegation, and it's looked at seriously in the courts," Seagraves said.

The dogs are being evaluated by animal control officers to see which ones would pose a danger to people.