Local law enforcement discovered a fight pit with a carpeted floor covered in blood, lawn chairs set up for spectators, dog training items and a dogfighting rule book in September 2023, leading to the arrest of Samuel Alexander Gray, 53, of Leesville.

This month, Gray was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to operating a dogfighting venture and felony possession of firearms.

According to investigators, the September 2023 discovery came when the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services responded to a concern about animals located on a rural property. 

Fourteen dogs were taken from Gray’s property, the press release said. Many were found with heavy chains around their necks and weighted collars, which are used to strengthen dogs’ necks. The dogs had injuries and scars consistent with dogfighting, and no food or clean water was accessible to the dogs. 

Animal carcasses and animal skulls were also found on the property.

Additionally, investigators found six firearms and 400 rounds of ammunition. Gray had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms. 

“Gray’s cruel and illegal dogfitting operation trapped these helpless dogs in a living nightmare,” Bryan Stirling, U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina, said in the release. “We will continue to prosecute those who torture and harm vulnerable animals for entertainment and profit.”

Gray's 15-month sentence is to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, according to the press release. A condition of his supervised release says he cannot own a dog.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services. 

Multiple South Carolinians have been arrested for dogfighting. In January 2025, Gov. Henry McMaster addressed dogfighting during his State of the State Address.

“Animal fighting, especially dog fighting, is one of the cruelest criminal activities in our society,” he said. “Law officers estimate that most of the people participating in this barbaric activity have long criminal records. My Executive Budget seeks additional funding to SLED to end this unforgivable savagery.”

The Lexington County case is one of many discovered around South Carolina in recent years. Here are some similar 2025 cases from around the state:

In October, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged Harold Leonidas Young II, 41, of Marion County, with criminal conspiracy, five counts of animal fighting or baiting and two counts of ill treatment of animals. 

In this case, Lance Denitri Mack, 48, was also charged with criminal conspiracy. 

According to details on the investigation, Young conspired with individuals to coordinate and carry out criminal offenses of animal fighting or baiting, which involved 41 dogs. Young participated in two months of the coordinated dogfighting events.

The animals Young had were found restrained by heavy chains, emaciated and had scarring consistent with dogfighting. 

These charges were in connection with the April case in which 11 men were arrested and more than 160 dogs were rescued from 10 homes across Dillon and Marion counties. 

Those arrested were Robert Kendale Adams, Gavin Mandell Miles, James Maurice Bethea, Jonathon Ja’Teil Lester, Larry Darnel Mack Jr., Christopher Terrell Jordan, Anthony Dante Gause, Wade Rodeon Shipman, Sammy Junior McCormick, Blake Alexander Rogers and Tyquan Tymore Rogers. 

Arrest warrants state that many dogs had scarring consistent with dogfighting and many were found with heavy chains, inadequate shelter and no clean water. 

Investigators also found dogfighting rings on some of the properties of those charged.

A different case in Orangeburg County included Christopher Corbitt, 53, who was charged with animal fighting or baiting and ill treatment of animals in October. Twenty-four pit bull-type dogs were rescued. 

The arrest warrant said several dogs had scarring, open wounds, inadequate housing and were restrained with heavy chains. 

In Florence County, Saquan Emanuel Brown, 27, was charged with nine counts of animal fighting or baiting, three counts of criminal conspiracy and six counts of ill treatment of animals in August. 

According to arrest warrants, Brown utilized social media to market dogs and made a wager of  $300 on one of the fights. Eight dogs were rescued and given to Humane World for Animals for care.

In July 2025, Evelyn Brown, 49, and Vonika Brown, 69, were charged with ill treatment of animals after investigators found evidence of dog fighting on a Richland County property.

Fourteen dogs were rescued, including one with a broken leg, an open wound and scarring consistent with organized dogfighting. 

In April 2025, Gov. McMaster and SLED Chief Mark Keel urged the public to report dogfighting. 

“You may see fighting pits made of plywood, chain link fencing, or hay bales. Look for claw marks, scratch lines, and blood stains," the press release read. "A spring pole is another sign. It consists of rawhide, rope, or a tire hanging from a tree or beam that dogs are forced to bite and pull to build jaw and neck strength. Breaking sticks, used to pry open a dog’s mouth, are often made of hard plastic or wood, and are a clear indicator of dogfighting."

In a letter to the editor sent to the Chronicle in April 2025, Melissa Rae Sanger of the PETA Foundation wrote that dogfighting operations often include pit bull-type dogs, chained with visible scars. Their ears or lips may even be torn off, or they may have cropped ears.