SC deputy and 3 others charged in dogfighting probe. 34 dogs rescued, SLED says
A Chesterfield County sheriff’s deputy and three other men have been charged as part of an ongoing dogfighting investigation that led to the rescue of more than 30 dogs, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Former Chesterfield County sheriff’s deputy Lonnie Shane Gaskins, 27 was charged Tuesday with eight counts of animal fighting or baiting, ill-treatment of animals and criminal conspiracy after search and seizure warrants were served at his residence along with one another in Chesterfield County, according to a news release.
“It is especially disheartening that a former law enforcement officer was involved in this crime, SLED Chief Mark Keel said in a news release. “This one person’s actions do not reflect the integrity of law enforcement professionals in South Carolina.”
Early Tuesday, amid the pouring rain, SLED agents along with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office and Humane World for Animals — a global nonprofit that focuses on animal welfare — recovered 34 dogs across two residential properties following a dogfighting probe.
Most of the dogs were found on heavy chains, several of which were so short the dogs were unable to reach their “meager shelters” to take cover from the rain, a release said. In addition, many of the dogs were covered in scars and wounds consistent with dogfighting.
Investigators also charged Terry James Gaskins, 49, with 23 counts of animal fighting or baiting, criminal conspiracy, ill-treatment of animals, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of certain drug offenses and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, first offense, according to arrest warrants.
Two other men — Shamar O’Ryan Sutton, 31, and Chris Hale Gaskins, 27 — were each charged with criminal conspiracy, according to the agency.
Sutton, Terry James Gaskins and Chris Hale Gaskins were booked into the Chesterfield Detention Center, while Lonnie Shane Gaskins was booked into the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, the release said.
This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 5:22 PM.
