August 28, 2025

Burton Man Faces Charges for Animal Fighting

Burton, South Carolina, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, a 30-year-old resident of Burton, South Carolina, faces multiple charges related to animal fighting. Following a search operation, SLED agents seized ten dogs, revealing evidence of organized dog fighting. Moultrie has been charged with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals. The dogs are now under the care of the Humane World for Animals organization, while Moultrie’s case is being prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Burton, South Carolina – Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, a 30-year-old man from Burton in Beaufort County, faces multiple charges involving animal fighting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged Moultrie with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals.

The charges were filed following an operation on August 11, during which SLED’s Dogfighting Unit executed a search warrant at Moultrie’s residence in Seabrook. During this operation, SLED agents confiscated 10 dogs, composed of nine adults and one puppy, from the property. The dogs were subsequently placed in the care of the Humane World for Animals organization for necessary veterinary care.

Veterinary examinations revealed that nine of the seized dogs exhibited scar patterns consistent with organized dog fighting, raising serious concerns about their treatment. Additional items typically associated with dog fighting were discovered at the residence, further substantiating the charges against Moultrie.

At the time of the operation, Moultrie was not present at his home. He was apprehended by SLED agents on Tuesday, August 26, and was promptly booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center. The case is set to be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

This incident is not isolated. Earlier in the year, two individuals, Edward Lee Moultrie Jr. and Edward Lee Moultrie Sr., were implicated in operating a dogfighting enterprise in Georgetown County, leading to the rescue of numerous dogs. SLED has yet to confirm any connections between this previous case and the current charges against Justinn Moultrie or whether there is any familial link between them.

Authorities are urging the public to report any information related to dog fighting activities within South Carolina. Tips can be submitted directly to the SLED Dogfighting Unit via email at tips@sled.sc.gov.

Background on Animal Fighting in South Carolina

Animal fighting, specifically dog fighting, remains a pressing issue across the United States. Such activities inflict severe trauma and suffering on animals, and they are illegal in all 50 states. Organizations advocating for animal rights continue to work alongside law enforcement to eliminate this cruel practice.

In South Carolina, the penalties for those convicted of engaging in animal fighting and animal cruelty can result in significant fines and imprisonment, serving as a deterrent to such unlawful activities.

What Can Be Done?

What to Look For:

Unusual gatherings or large amounts of foot traffic at a residence.
Dogs with visible scars or injuries.
Unkempt animals living in poor conditions.
Excessive noise from animals, such as aggressive barking or growling.

FAQs

What are the charges against Justinn Moultrie?

Justinn Moultrie has been charged with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals.

What led to the charges against Moultrie?

The charges resulted from an operation conducted by SLED’s Dogfighting Unit, where ten dogs were seized from Moultrie’s residence, revealing evidence of organized dog fighting.

What happened to the dogs seized from Moultrie’s property?

The dogs were turned over to the Humane World for Animals organization for veterinary care.

Is there a connection to previous cases of dog fighting in the area?

SLED has not confirmed any connections between Moultrie’s case and earlier cases involving other Moultrie family members accused of dog fighting in Georgetown County.

How can the public help combat dog fighting?

The public can report any information related to dog fighting to the SLED Dogfighting Unit via email at tips@sled.sc.gov.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Description
Accused	Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, 30
Location	Burton, Beaufort County, South Carolina
Charges	Nine counts of animal fighting, nine counts of ill treatment of animals
Date of Search	August 11
Date of Arrest	August 26
Dogs Seized	Ten dogs (nine adults, one puppy)
Veterinary Findings	Nine dogs showed scar patterns consistent with organized dog fighting
Current Care Provider	Humane World for Animals

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Father and Son Charged in Beaufort County Dogfighting Case
Man Charged with Animal Fighting in Beaufort County
Man Arrested for Dogfighting in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Man Arrested for Dog Fighting
Mandatory Evacuations in South Carolina Due to Wildfires

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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