Former Chesterfield County deputy among four charged in SLED dogfighting investigation

Photo/SLED

A former Chesterfield County Sheriff’s deputy and three other men are facing various charges following a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigation into an alleged dogfighting operation in the county.
According to a SLED news release, Lonnie Shane Gaskins, 27, of Jefferson, was arrested April 28 and charged with eight counts of animal fighting or baiting, ill treatment of animals, and criminal conspiracy. He is a former Chesterfield County Sheriff’s deputy.
Terry James Gaskins, 49, of Jefferson, faces 23 counts of animal fighting or baiting, along with 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.
Shamar O’Ryan Sutton, 31, of Pageland, and Chris Hale Gaskins, 27, of Jefferson, were each charged with criminal conspiracy.
Details outlined in arrest warrants provide insight into the alleged operation and each suspect’s role.
According to warrants, agents executing a search on Tuesday, April 28, located multiple dogs with injuries and conditions consistent with dogfighting, along with equipment commonly used to train and house fighting dogs.
Some animals were found with untreated wounds, and investigators documented evidence of breeding and organized fighting activity.
Warrants for Lonnie Shane Gaskins allege he was directly involved in activities tied to dogfighting and knowingly allowed dogs to be used in fights.
In the case of Terry James Gaskins, investigators allege he operated a larger-scale setup involving numerous dogs, some of which were chained and showed signs of injury. Authorities also reported recovering a firearm and marijuana during the search, and noted that several dogs were later euthanized due to the severity of their condition.
Warrants for Shamar O’Ryan Sutton allege he communicated with others involved in the operation through electronic means and knowingly participated in coordinating dogfighting-related activities.
SLED officials said Sutton played a role in maintaining dogs used for fighting and worked in coordination with co-defendants as part of the ongoing operation.
Warrants for Chris Hale Gaskins allege he assisted in caring for and maintaining the dogs involved in the operation. Documents indicate he was involved in handling animals kept in conditions consistent with dogfighting and participated in activities supporting the broader conspiracy.
SLED was assisted by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Humane World for Animals also assisted in the rescue of 34 dogs.
Sutton, Terry James Gaskins, and Chris Hale Gaskins were booked into the Chesterfield County Detention Center, while Lonnie Shane Gaskins was booked into the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.
The case will be prosecuted by the Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
SLED officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to contact SLED at (866) 472-8477 or email [email protected].