South Carolina agents rescue 47 dogs from suspected dogfighting operation; 4 suspects charged
By Graham Cawthon
Click here for updates on this story
CHESTER COUNTY, South Carolina (WJCL) — South Carolina agents rescued 47 dogs and seized drugs, guns and cash in a multi-county operation that led to four men being charged with dogfighting, animal cruelty and drug offenses, the State Law Enforcement Division said Friday.
Diara Charles Talford, 33, faces multiple counts, including animal fighting or baiting, ill treatment of animals, criminal conspiracy, possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, cocaine trafficking and distribution, according to SLED.
Devin Dashaud Mobley, 32, is charged with animal fighting or baiting, ill treatment of animals, criminal conspiracy and a related drug offense.
Zion Damir Hairston, 22, is charged with animal fighting or baiting and criminal conspiracy.
Nicos Kendrell Little, 37, is charged with animal fighting or baiting, criminal conspiracy and ill treatment of animals.
According to warrants, a search warrant was executed November 5 at a property in Chester County, during which investigators found dogs tethered by a “heavy logging chain” that had “visible scars” across their face and legs “consistent with scarring from dogfighting injuries.”
Dogs were also seen with “inadequate housing that failed to protect the dogs from the elements.” Court documents also allege they did not have access to clean water and/or food.
The search warrant followed weeks of surveillance on the property, warrants state.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI assisted in the investigation. The 47 dogs were placed with Humane World for Animals for veterinary care.
Talford and Mobley were booked into the Chester County Detention Center. Little and Hairston were booked into the Lancaster County Detention Center. The 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the cases, SLED said.
This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.