BLACKSBURG, S.C. — Two North Carolina men were arrested after a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigation that agents say culminated in the rescue of 40 dogs from a property in Cherokee County.
Investigation, search and rescue
SLED executed a search warrant Aug. 12 at a residence on Ninety Nine Island Road near Blacksburg after receiving an anonymous tip alleging that dogs kept there were being used for fighting, according to arrest warrants filed in the case.
Investigators say they located and removed 40 animals from the property. A veterinarian who examined the animals told authorities that 38 dogs showed scarring consistent with organized dogfighting, the warrants state.
Who was charged and what they face
Two men were booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center following the investigation:
- Dennis Ray Williams, 69 — charged with two counts each of criminal conspiracy, ill treatment of animals and animal fighting or baiting.
- Samuel Garen Mobley, 49 — charged with two counts each of criminal conspiracy, ill treatment of animals and animal fighting or baiting.
The warrants allege Williams owns the property where the dogs were found. SLED agents reported locating all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles on the premises that bore Williams’ name. Investigators also noted Williams’ vehicle was heard leaving the property and that he later returned hauling a UTV on a trailer.
Mobley was linked to the address after officers found a piece of mail and a tube of dog medicine bearing his name at the site, the warrants say. Investigators also observed bags of dog food in the back of a vehicle he was seen driving past the property on Aug. 12.
Evidence summarized
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dogs recovered | 40 |
| Dogs with scarring | 38 |
| Location | Ninety Nine Island Road, Blacksburg |
Agencies involved and next steps
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office assisted SLED with the operation, according to the warrants. The 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will handle prosecution of the case.
Both men face identical counts tied to the same tan male dog that investigators referenced in the arrest paperwork, alleging the animal bore scars consistent with organized fighting. Beyond the criminal charges, the animals were turned over for veterinary care and further evaluation.
Community impact and legal context
Animal fighting is a felony under South Carolina law, and investigators often rely on physical evidence — such as scarring and specialized equipment — plus witness testimony to build cases. Rescues of large numbers of animals typically prompt veterinary exams, temporary sheltering and, in some cases, criminal charges for owners and others who facilitated the activity.
Local animal welfare organizations and law enforcement agencies say these operations can be lengthy and complex, requiring cooperation across jurisdictions. The discovery of multiple vehicles with identifying marks and mail tied to a suspect are examples of the types of evidence that can connect individuals to a location and alleged activity.
Authorities did not release information about bond amounts or scheduled court dates at the time of the arrests. The solicitor’s office will determine whether to file additional charges as the investigation and prosecution proceed.
What residents should know
- If you suspect animal fighting or animal cruelty, report it to local law enforcement or SLED so investigators can act on credible tips.
- Do not confront suspected perpetrators yourself; investigations of this nature can be dangerous.
- Veterinary and animal control resources may be strained in large rescues; local shelters sometimes coordinate to care for animals removed from suspected criminal activity.
The arrests mark the latest enforcement action by SLED and local partners targeting alleged animal fighting in the Upstate. The charges will proceed through the 7th Circuit as the court process unfolds.
Reporting for this article drew from SLED arrest warrants and statements provided by law-enforcement agencies assisting with the case.
