WARNING: This story contains non-graphic photos from the dogfighting investigation.
DILLON, S.C. (WBTV) – Eleven men were arrested after a massive dogfighting bust in two South Carolina counties last week.
The arrests came on April 2 and 3 in Dillon and Marion counties after warrants showed more than 175 dogs were found, some of which were puppies.
The men arrested face a variety of charges and are listed below:
- Robert Kendale Adams
- Gavin Mandell Miles
- James Maurice Bethea
- Jonathon Ja’Teil Lester
- Larry Darnel Mack, Jr.
- Christopher Terrell Jordan
- Anthony Dante Gause
- Wade Rodeon Shipman
- Sammy Junior McCormick
- Blake Alexander Rogers
- Tyquan Tymore Rogers
Of the dogs found, arrest warrants said many showed scarring consistent with dogfighting. They were also found on short, heavy chains, often with inadequate shelter and some without access to clean water.
During searches, the warrants said dogfighting rings/pits were also found on some of the men’s properties. The documents said some of the men were responsible for planning the fights.
In addition to the dogs and dogfighting equipment, investigators discovered several of the men also had large quantities of illegal drugs, as well as illegally possessed guns. Because of those discoveries, some of the 11 men arrested also faced drug and gun charges.
More information on their arrests and the charges each man faces can be found here.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and Gov. Henry McMaster held a news conference on Monday, April 7 to address the investigation.
“We’re investigating dogfighting in every corner of the state of South Carolina right now. Dogfighting is inhumane and it’s illegal,” SLED Chief Mark Keel said. “This is not just animal cruelty. It’s organized criminal activity that, oftentimes, is related to other violent crimes and leads to other violent crimes as well.”
McMaster called dogfighting “unspeakable” and “vicious.”
“I’ve seen the videos,” the governor said. “It’ll make you cry. It’ll make you mad.”
Sister-station WCSC reported that in his past two State of the State addresses, McMaster made mention of dogfighting, and called it “one of the cruelest criminal activities in our society.”
WCSC also reported that in 2023, SLED launched a unit specifically aimed to combat dogfighting, with four permanent agents now part of it. The unit was created upon the governor’s request.
Also Read: Members of international theft ring arrested weeks after break-in at upscale Union County home
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