A Lexington County man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to operating a dogfighting venture. Samuel Alexander Gray, 53, of Leesville, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A news release issued by the U.S. Department of Justice Wednesday states that in September 2023, the 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, and lawn chairs set up for spectating.
The news release goes on to mention that investigators also found multiple dogs on the property, many with heavy chains around their necks and weighted collars, along with dog training items and a dogfighting rule book. Investigators say several of the animals had injuries and scarring consistent with dogfighting.
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 prison sentence will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. As a condition of his supervised release, he cannot own a dog.