More Than 100 Dogs Seized in South Carolina Dogfighting Investigation; Seven Men Indicted —Largest Single Dog Seizure in State History

Posted on September 7, 2026

FLORENCE, S.C. — More than 100 dogs were seized and seven Chesterfield County men were indicted following a sprawling federal investigation into an alleged dogfighting operation that prosecutors say lasted nearly seven years, officials announced last week.

A federal grand jury in Florence returned a nine-count indictment charging the men with conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act, possessing pit bull-type dogs for animal fighting ventures and illegally possessing firearms.

The indictment alleges that from September 2019 through July 2026, the defendants maintained properties where dogs were bred, housed and trained for fighting. Prosecutors say the men used treadmills, bite sticks, weighted chains, breeding stands and other dogfighting equipment.

The defendants also allegedly exchanged photographs and videos showing dogs fighting or suffering from injuries.

An indictment contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

🔴 Quick Fact Checklist

🔴 Defendants: Seven men from Chesterfield County

🔴 Dogs seized: More than 100

🔴 Indictment: Nine federal counts

🔴 Alleged conspiracy: September 2019 through July 2026

🔴 Charges: Conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act, possession of dogs for animal fighting ventures and unlawful firearm possession

🔴 Largest seizure: Approximately 77 dogs recovered from one property — the largest single-property dog seizure in South Carolina history, according to federal prosecutors

🔴 Maximum penalties: Up to five years in prison for the animal-welfare offenses; two defendants face up to 15 years on firearm charges

Raids Uncover Dogs and Fighting Equipment

The seizures unfolded during searches conducted between April and July:

  • Lonnie Shane Gaskins, 28, a former Chesterfield County sheriff’s deputy, allegedly possessed seven dogs on April 26. Authorities also reported finding a hanging scale, weighted collars and chains, and a carpet containing canine blood.
  • Terry James Gaskins, 49, allegedly possessed approximately 27 dogs on April 26. Investigators reported recovering a hanging scale, heavy chains, a treadmill and dog pedigrees.
  • Shamar O’Ryan Sutton, 32, allegedly possessed approximately eight dogs on June 9. Authorities said they found heavy collars and chains, pedigrees and a treadmill.
  • Avery Robinson, 36, allegedly possessed approximately 77 dogs on June 9. Investigators also reported finding bite sticks, a slat mill, pedigrees and heavy chains. Prosecutors described it as the largest seizure of dogs from a single property in South Carolina history.
  • Derwayne Terry Miller Sr., 46, also known as “Fuzz,” and Derwayne Terry Miller Jr., 26, also known as “DJ,” allegedly possessed approximately eight dogs on July 22. Authorities said they recovered heavy collars and chains, animal medications and wound-treatment spray.
  • Kevin Knotts, 46, allegedly possessed seven dogs on July 22. Investigators reported finding a fighting pit, a breeding stand and animal medications.

“Dog fighting turns suffering into entertainment and violence into a business,” U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling said. “We’ll continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate animal cruelty and speak for these defenseless dogs, who cannot speak for themselves.”

The defendants face up to five years in federal prison if convicted of the animal-welfare offenses. Miller Jr. and Terry Gaskins each face up to 15 years in prison on the firearm charges.

 

 

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