CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has arrested two Chester County men following an investigation into an organized dogfighting operation. The arrests, made on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, were the result of a joint investigation assisted by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have charged Deveko Lavar Kennedy, 35, and Moaderell Allen Woods, 45, with dozens of combined counts related to criminal conspiracy, animal fighting, and the ill-treatment of animals.
The Defendants and Charges
Both men were booked into the Chester County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Deveko Lavar Kennedy (35)
Kennedy faces a total of 21 charges:
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17 counts of Criminal Conspiracy.
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4 counts of Animal Fighting or Baiting.
Moaderell Allen Woods (45)
Woods faces a total of 20 charges:
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3 counts of Criminal Conspiracy.
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8 counts of Animal Fighting or Baiting.
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9 counts of Ill Treatment of Animals.
Inside the Investigation: “The Box” and Broken Bones
According to the arrest warrants, the investigation uncovered a long history of organized fighting dating back to at least 2022, primarily evidenced by data seized from cellphones and physical evidence found at the scene.
The Fighting Pit
Investigators discovered a “large and bloody dogfighting pit,” referred to in text messages as “the box,” located in the woods across from Kennedy’s residence. The pit was described as a 16-foot by 16-foot wooden structure. Kennedy was recorded texting others stating he was “Walking to the box now” to conduct matches.
Graphic Text Messages
Warrants detail disturbing text message exchanges between the defendants and other co-conspirators regarding the condition of the dogs and the outcomes of fights:
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Wagers: Kennedy was recorded setting up matches for money, with one text mentioning an “easy 500”.
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Outcomes: On February 18, 2024, Kennedy texted a co-conspirator regarding a match, stating simply, “We lost”.
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Lack of Veterinary Care: In July 2024, Kennedy and Woods discussed a female dog with a severe leg injury. Kennedy described the dog as “broke” and detailed seeing a part of her leg bone. Woods pointed out a suspected exposed ligament.
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Home Remedies: Rather than seeking veterinary aid, Woods advised Kennedy to “pack it with Vaseline,” and the two conspired to let the dog “heal wit it out of place”.
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Callous Disregard: In another exchange regarding a dog fight, Woods reportedly texted, “I ain’t trying to bring him back” and “this mf can catch a heat stroke all I care”.
The Rescue: January 13, 2026
On the day of the arrests, SLED executed a search warrant at the residence where the dogs were kept. Authorities seized at least nine dogs, many of which were “pit bull-type” dogs exhibiting scarring consistent with dogfighting.
The warrants describe the animals living in deplorable conditions:
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Freezing Temperatures: Multiple dogs were found tethered to heavy logging chains without adequate shelter to protect them from freezing temperatures.
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Untreated Injuries: Several dogs were suffering from untreated medical conditions, including skin conditions and open wounds.
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Inhumane Confinement: A puppy (Dog 8) was found confined in a small cage with feces covering the living and eating area.
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Starvation: One female dog (Dog 1) was noted as being visibly underweight.
SLED stated that the dogs were subjected to “unnecessary pain and suffering” due to the acts of commission and omission by the defendants.
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