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by ERIN PARROTT
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A federal grand jury has indicted seven Chesterfield County men — including a former sheriff’s deputy — in connection with an alleged years-long dogfighting operation that resulted in the seizure of more than 100 dogs across multiple properties.
The nine-count federal indictment, returned in Florence, S.C., charges the defendants with offenses including conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), possession of pit bull-type dogs for use in animal fighting ventures and unlawful possession of firearms, according to the office of U.S. attorney Bryan P. Stirling.
Federal prosecutors allege the operation stretched from September 2019 through July 2026 – with the defendants maintaining properties where dogs were bred, housed and trained for fighting.
Among those charged is 28-year-old Lonnie Shane Gaskins, a former Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy whose alleged involvement was previously reported by FITSNews following a massive animal rescue operation earlier this year.
Also indicted are Terry James Gaskins, 49; Shamar O’Ryan Sutton, 32; Avery Robinson, 36; Derwayne Terry Miller Sr., 46; Derwayne Terry Miller Jr., 26; and Kevin Knotts, 46.
According to prosecutors, investigators uncovered equipment and paraphernalia commonly associated with dogfighting — including treadmills, bite sticks, weighted collars, heavy metal chains and breeding stands.
The defendants are also accused of sharing photographs and videos depicting dogs fighting and animals suffering from injuries.
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The federal charges mark a significant expansion of an investigation previously covered by this news outlet.
In May, FITSNews reported 34 dogs had been rescued from two Chesterfield County properties as part of a S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigation into alleged dogfighting.
Authorities described dogs tethered with heavy chains and living in troubling conditions, while several of the animals showed scarring consistent with fighting.
Gaskins — who was employed as a CCSO deputy at the time — was among those implicated in that investigation and was subsequently fired.
The federal indictment now paints a much broader picture of the alleged operation. Between April and July 2026, authorities seized more than 100 dogs from properties connected to the seven defendants.
On April 26, 2026, investigators allegedly found seven pit bull-type dogs in Lonnie Gaskins’ possession, along with a hanging scale, weighted collars, chains and a piece of carpet containing canine blood.
That same day, authorities allegedly discovered approximately 27 dogs in Terry Gaskins’ possession. Investigators also seized heavy chains, a treadmill, a hanging scale and dog pedigrees.
On June 9, 2026, authorities allegedly found eight dogs connected to Sutton, along with heavy collars and chains, pedigrees and a treadmill.
Investigators made their largest discovery that same day at a property connected to Robinson.
According to federal prosecutors, approximately 77 pit bull-type dogs were seized from Robinson — which authorities described as the largest single-property dog seizure in South Carolina history.
Agents also allegedly recovered break or bite sticks, a slat mill, pedigrees and heavy chains from the property.
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RELATED | 34 DOGS RESCUED FROM ALLEGED FIGHTING OPERATION
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The investigation continued the following month. On July 22, 2026, authorities allegedly found approximately eight dogs in the possession of Miller Sr. — also known as “Fuzz” — and Miller Jr., also known as “DJ.”
Investigators reportedly recovered heavy collars and chains, animal medications and wound treatment spray.
That same day, authorities allegedly seized seven dogs from Knotts, along with a fighting pit, breeding stand and animal medications.
“Dog fighting turns suffering into entertainment and violence into a business,” 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.”
SLED chief Mark Keel similarly characterized the alleged operation as 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,” Keel said.
As FITSNews has previously reported, the Chesterfield County investigation is one of several major dogfighting cases uncovered across South Carolina in recent months.
In April, SLED agents charged two Horry County residents following an investigation that resulted in the rescue of 33 dogs. Investigators in that case similarly reported uncovering evidence consistent with an organized dogfighting operation.
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RELATED | 33 DOGS RESCUED, TWO CHARGED IN HORRY COUNTY
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Law enforcement officials have repeatedly noted dogfighting investigations can extend beyond animal cruelty allegations – often intersecting with illegal gambling, narcotics and firearms offenses.
In the Chesterfield County case, the federal indictment includes firearms allegations against two of the defendants.
Miller Jr. and Terry Gaskins face up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted of the firearm offenses, according to prosecutors.
The defendants face maximum sentences of five years in prison for the alleged Animal Welfare Act violations.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, SLED, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).
Assistant U.S. attorneys Elle E. Klein and Holly Brown are prosecuting the case. As with all criminal cases, the charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations. All seven defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Stay tuned to FITSNews as we continue tracking this case – and South Carolina law enforcement’s ongoing crackdown on organized dogfighting operations across the Palmetto State.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
Erin Parrott is a Greenville, S.C. native who graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a bachelor degree in broadcast journalism. Got feedback or a tip for Erin? Email her here.
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