Why did the authorities in Virginia not file charges against Vick right away?

Answer 1

They probably wanted to get their ducks lined up straight then pursued the case doggedly. Before they charged him, they had confessions from the minor players in exchange for plea bargains and were able to really grab the headlines.

Answer 2

WAS THE CASE FEDERAL OR STATE? POSSIBLE NON INVOLVEMENT AS VICK STATED HE WAS A PAWN-IT WAS HIS HOUSE BUT HE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON THERE??CHECK OUT WAS VICK LYING OR TELLING THE TRUTH AND THEN IT ALL CAME OUT AFTER A GOOD INVESTIGATION AND VICK ADMITTED TO THE DEED