COLUMBIA, S.C. — Samuel Alexander Gray, 53, of Leesville, has been sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison after pleading guilty to operating a dogfighting venture and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in September 2023, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services responded to a citizen’s concern about animals on a rural property. Investigators found a large fight pit with a carpeted floor, covered in blood. There were also lawn chairs set up around the pit for spectating. Investigators found dog training items and a dogfighting rule book on the property.

Investigators found multiple dogs on the property. Many had heavy chains around their necks with weighted collars, a training method used to strengthen dog’s necks. Several had injuries and scarring consistent with dogfighting. There was no food or clean water nearby. Several animal carcasses and skulls were also found. Ultimately, 14 dogs were seized from Gray’s property.

Gray also had six firearms and 400 rounds of ammunition. He is prohibited from possessing both due to prior felony convictions.

“Gray’s cruel and illegal dogfighting operation trapped these helpless dogs in a living nightmare,” said Bryan Stirling, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to prosecute those who torture and harm vulnerable animals for entertainment and profit.”

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Gray to 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. As a condition of his supervised release, he cannot own a dog.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein is prosecuting the case.