YORK COUNTY, SC – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has announced the arrest of a mother and son from Rock Hill following a targeted investigation into illegal dogfighting operations.
Thalia Lavonne Feemster, 67, and her son, Corey Hardin, 35, were taken into custody earlier this month after a search of their shared residence on January 6, 2026.
The Investigation and Raid
The SLED Dogfighting Unit executed a search warrant at the property owned by Feemster. During the raid, agents discovered eleven dogs in the backyard.
According to supporting warrants, the scene revealed disturbing evidence of animal cruelty:
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Physical Trauma: Multiple dogs were found with open wounds and oral trauma.
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Neglect: Several animals were documented as being underweight.
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Forensic Evidence: A veterinarian on the scene examined the animals and found scarring consistent with dogfighting on ten of the eleven dogs.
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Paraphernalia: Investigators located various items associated with illegal dogfighting throughout the execution of the warrant.
Charges and Legal Action
Corey Hardin faces the bulk of the allegations. He has been charged with:
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10 counts of Animal Fighting or Baiting.
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10 counts of Ill Treatment of Animals.
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Conspiracy.
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Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Convicted Felon: Agents reportedly found a loaded Springfield Armory XDS under Hardin’s bed. His criminal history includes a 2009 felony conviction that prohibits him from owning firearms.
Thalia Feemster has been charged with Conspiracy and Ill Treatment of Animals. Though she claimed the dogs belonged to her son, authorities noted she owns the property where the activity occurred and was present during the raid.
Both individuals were booked into the Moss Justice Center in York County. The case is set to be prosecuted by the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
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