S.C.’s Florence County.Following a concerted multi-agency raid in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina that led to the arrest of six people and the finding of drugs, guns, and suspected fighting canines, a Timmonsville man is facing 30 charges relating to animal fighting.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), in collaboration with Florence County deputies and Florence municipal police, launched the operation Thursday in an attempt to track down 26-year-old Kadeem McFadden, who was wanted for many probation violations.
However, what began as a warrant service swiftly became very serious. Several people tried to escape as police arrived at a Timmonsville residence on Honda Way. According to WMBF News, authorities arrested six people in total, including McFadden, who is now facing further counts of possessing guns and trafficking in drugs.
Dog Fighting Charges Raise Alarms
The most severe accusations were made by the Thompsonsville Police Department, which accused McFadden of 30 counts of mistreating or fighting animals. These allegations, according to officials, are related to an ongoing investigation into dog fighting operations in the Pee Dee; further information is anticipated as the investigation moves forward.
Authorities promised more details as the SLED investigation progresses, but they have not yet disclosed the number of dogs discovered or their health. When the time was appropriate, the Timmonsville Police Department said it will issue a statement.
Weapons and Drugs Also Seized
Along with the claims of dog fighting, the search revealed a concerning stash of illicit weaponry and drugs inside the house. Police officers were able to recover:
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7 firearms
, including at least one reportedly stolen handgun -
11.4 grams of crack cocaine
-
Two pills
believed to be controlled substances
The firearms and drugs seized from the property are seen in pictures made public by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
Five Other Individuals Also Charged
Five additional males were detained in addition to McFadden and are being charged with various drug or firearm-related offenses:
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Johnathan Boone
, 22, of Marion: Possession of less than one gram of cocaine base (first offense) -
Tyron Fleming
, 23, of Timmonsville: Possession of less than one gram of cocaine base (first offense) -
Reginal Harper
, 60, of Timmonsville: Possession of less than one gram of cocaine base (first offense) -
Ivan Holloman
, 21, of Bishopville: Possession of less than one gram of cocaine base (first offense) -
Herbert McDowell
, 31, of Lake City: Possession of cocaine base, and illegal possession of a stolen pistol
Whether any of the other suspects are thought to be related to the dog fighting accusations made against McFadden has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Ongoing Investigation Expected to Widen
Depending on what is discovered in the next few days, SLED and local law enforcement have stated that they anticipate the investigation to continue and that additional charges may be brought.
In South Carolina, dog fighting is still considered a felony, and those found guilty may be sentenced to up to five years in jail for each conviction, in addition to hefty fines.
Authorities urged anyone with more details regarding possible dog fighting operations in the area to come forward and submit an anonymous complaint.
The complete original coverage from WMBF News is available for reading.
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