Maryland Father and Son Indicted on Dog Fighting, Breeding, and Transportation Charges After Law Enforcement Seizes 44 Dogs

Baltimore, Maryland - Authorities arrested a Maryland father and son, today, in connection with a dog-fighting conspiracy.

A federal grand jury indicted Theodore Lamont Stinson, 48, of Whiteford, and Theodore Lamont Stinson, Jr., 25, of Whiteford, for conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture; buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture; use of postal service or other interstate instrumentality for promoting or furthering an animal fighting venture; and interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the 12-count indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region; Alison M. Healey, Harford County State's Attorney; and Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler, Harford County Sheriff's Office.

According to the indictment, since at least April 2016, until current, Stinson, Stinson, Jr., and their co-conspirators bought, sold, bred, trained, and used pit-bull-type dogs for dog fighting. Stinson and Stinson, Jr. operated a kennel under the name "KLK," which they used to advertise their inventory of dogs. Stinson and Stinson, Jr., kept dogs at their property for the purpose of selling, transporting, and breeding dogs that they and their co-conspirators owned.

Both Stinson and Stinson Jr., provided oversight for the dogs while Stinson advised his son about proper care for the dogs. Additionally, the father and son both participated in arranging transportation for the dogs in connection with sales and breeding. Stinson often arranged transportation for dog sales while Stinson, Jr., transported them to their intended destinations.

On July 17, 2025, the Harford County Sheriff's Office and its Animal Control Unit executed search-and-seizure warrants at Stinson's residence. During the search, investigators found 44 pit-bull-type dogs, veterinary medication and supplies, a breeding stand, a "spring pole/rope" accessory used to train and condition fighting dogs, and paperwork relating to dog sales and pedigrees.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Stinson and Stinson, Jr. each face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture, along with up to five years for buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture. The father and son are also facing up to five years for use of postal service or other interstate instrumentality for promoting or furthering an animal fighting venture; and interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, USDA-OIG, Harford County Sheriff's Office and its Animal Control Unit, and Harford County State's Attorney's Office, for their work in the investigation, along with the U.S. Marshals Service and Maryland National Guard 32nd Civil Support Team, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Levin and Liane Kozik who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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