Dog Fighting Investigation Results in Largest Single Property Dog Seizure in South Carolina History, 7 Men Charged

FLORENCE, S.C. - A federal grand jury in Florence, returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney's Office, charging seven individuals from Chesterfield County for conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act, possession of pit bull-type dogs for animal fighting ventures, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The indictment alleges that from September 2019 to July 2026, the defendants maintained properties where they bred, housed, and trained pit bull-type dogs intended for dog fighting. They are also alleged to have used training equipment and paraphernalia in their operations, including treadmills, bite sticks, heavy metal chains, and breeding stands. The defendants also allegedly shared images and videos of dogs fighting and injured dogs.

According to allegations in the indictment, law enforcement seized over 100 dogs and dog fighting paraphernalia from the defendants between April 2026 to July 2026:

• On or about April 26, 2026, Lonnie Shane Gaskins, 28,a former Chesterfield County Sheriff's deputy, possessed seven pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a hanging scale, weighted collars and chains, and a carpet containing canine blood.
• On or about April 26, 2026, Terry James Gaskins, 49, possessed approximately 27 pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a hanging scale, heavy chains, treadmill, and pedigrees.
• On or about June 9, 2026, Shamar O'Ryan Sutton, 32, possessed approximately eight pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a heavy collar and chains, pedigrees, and a treadmill.
• On or about June 9, 2026, Avery Robinson, 36, possessed approximately 77 pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a break/bite sticks, slat mill, pedigrees, and heavy chains. This is the largest single property dog seizure in South Carolina history.
• On or about July 22, 2026, Derwayne Terry Miller, Sr., A/K/A "Fuzz," 46, and Derwayne Terry Miller, Jr., a/k/a "DJ," 26, possessed approximately eight pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a heavy collar and chains, animal medications, and animal wound treatment spray.
• On or about July 22, 2026, Kevin Knotts, 46, possessed seven pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a pit, breeding stand, and animal medications.

"Dog fighting turns suffering into entertainment and violence into a business," said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. "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."

"USDA OIG will not tolerate the violent and inhuman practice of dog fighting," said Inspector General John Walk. "I commend our law enforcement agents for rescuing more than 100 dogs from this heinous cruelty and bringing the defendants to face justice."

"This is yet another case that illustrates a criminal enterprise built on malicious cruelty. It doesn't matter who you are, where you live, or what you do for a living, if you decide to fight dogs in this state, we will find you and you will be held accountable," said SLED Chief Mark Keel. "SLED is proud to partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as with animal services organizations, to rid our state of this horrific crime. Together, we are sending a clear message: Dogfighting will not be tolerated in South Carolina."

The defendants face a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment for the animal welfare offenses. Miller Jr. and Terry Gaskins face up to 15 years for the firearm offenses.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Holly Brown are prosecuting the case.

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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