The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has arrested a Chester County man on nearly a dozen charges related to an organized dogfighting operation and narcotics distribution.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, SLED officials announced the arrest of Justin Elazer King, 31, who was taken into custody on January 9, 2026, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Summary of Charges
King has been charged with the following offenses:
-
Animal Fighting or Baiting: 4 counts
-
Ill Treatment of Animals (Torture): 3 counts
-
Criminal Conspiracy: 1 count
-
Illegal Sale of a Controlled Substance: 1 count
-
Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (1st Offense): 1 count
Investigation Details and Animal Recovery
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation that included a search warrant executed at King’s residence in Chester, South Carolina, on December 12, 2025.
According to arrest affidavits, agents seized several pit bull-type dogs from the property, many of which exhibited severe injuries and signs of neglect. Veterinary evaluations revealed consistent evidence of dogfighting and torture:
-
Dog 1 (Brown/Black Male): Exhibited scarring on the muzzle, face, head, and legs consistent with dogfighting injuries.
-
Dog 2 (White Female): Found with scarring on her face, legs, ears, and eyes consistent with fighting operations.
-
Dog 3 (Tan Female): Suffered from inadequate shelter, deprivation of clean water, and was constantly tethered by a heavy chain. The animal had an oral ulcer, fever, and scarring on her face and torso.
-
Dog 4 (Tan Female): Discovered confined in a feces-filled pen with a bacterial skin infection, a hernia, and body deformation attributed to chronic malnutrition.
-
Dog 5 (Brown Male): Found in a feces-filled pen with scarring on the face and head.
Electronic Evidence
SLED agents utilized electronic monitoring data and cellular communications to link King to the abuse.
Warrants indicate that King used a cellphone to coordinate dogfights. In one specific instance on July 19, 2025, investigators allege King entered into an agreement to fight a 36-pound male dog, stating in a message: “Call 85 tell em bring that male back so I can put em on my male”.
Narcotics Charges
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, investigators found evidence of drug distribution. During the search of King’s residence, agents discovered a digital scale and a bag containing approximately 37.4 grams of marijuana concealed inside an outdoor grill.
Electronic communications also revealed conspiracies to purchase and distribute marijuana, referred to in messages as “gas” and “smoke”.
Case Status
King was booked into the Chester County Detention Center. This is his second arrest in recent weeks; he was previously arrested for Ill Treatment of Animals on December 12, 2025. The case will be prosecuted by the 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
SLED urges anyone with information regarding dogfighting in South Carolina to contact them immediately. Tips can be emailed to [email protected] or reported by calling (866) 472-8477.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
