A Chesterfield County sheriff’s deputy is out of a job and under state investigation after South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents executed a search warrant at his home in what officials describe as an active dogfighting probe.
The deputy, identified as Shane Gaskins, was sworn in as a deputy in June 2025. He was taken into custody on Tuesday, then terminated by the sheriff’s office. Authorities say the investigation is still underway and formal charges have not yet been announced.
The sequence of events was first laid out by reporter Morgan Fogarty of WCCB Charlotte, which reported that SLED agents executed a search warrant at Gaskins’ residence. According to that report, Sheriff Cambo Streater said the department will “fully cooperate” with SLED, and the sheriff’s office moved to fire Gaskins after he was taken into custody. Further details, Streater indicated, will come from the state agency as its work progresses.
WSOC reported that SLED contacted the sheriff’s office early Tuesday, then took Gaskins into custody without incident when agents carried out the warrant. The station noted that SLED has described the situation as an active and ongoing investigation and has not yet publicly filed any charges.
What the Law Says
South Carolina’s Animal Fighting and Baiting Act makes it a felony to own or use animals for fighting, or to provide a place for those fights. A conviction can bring up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The statute is codified at Title 16, Chapter 27 of the state code, and the South Carolina Code allows forfeiture of property used in fighting operations and increases penalties for repeat offenses.
Dogfighting Investigations in the State
Dogfighting cases in South Carolina have led to multiple arrests and major animal rescues in recent years. Reporting and state data show that SLED and local partners have removed hundreds of animals during raids and have pursued related charges that include animal ill-treatment, conspiracy, and other offenses.
For broader context, WRDW detailed how SLED has increasingly dismantled dogfighting operations across the state and how those cases often intersect with weapons and drug crimes.
What happens next in Gaskins’ case is largely in SLED’s hands. The agency typically announces any formal charges once its investigation and charging decisions are complete. SLED also asks anyone with information about dogfighting to submit tips by email or phone. The agency lists [email protected] and (866) 472-8477 as contact options.
SLED has handled multiple recent dogfighting cases across South Carolina and is the designated point of contact for media and public inquiries about this latest investigation.
