September 6, 2025

Seabrook Man Faces Charges in Major Dogfighting Bust

Seabrook, September 6, 2025

News Summary

Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, a Seabrook resident, was charged with multiple counts related to animal fighting after a raid by law enforcement led to the seizure of ten dogs. The investigation uncovered evidence of organized dogfighting, with many of the dogs showing injuries consistent with fights. Another individual, Spencer Lamont Moultrie, was also arrested on similar charges. Both are part of ongoing efforts by SLED to combat dogfighting in South Carolina.

Seabrook Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Animal Fighting Following Dogfighting Raid

Seabrook, South Carolina – Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, a 30-year-old resident of Vanrville, was charged on August 26 with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals. The charges were a result of a raid conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on August 11, where ten dogs were seized from a home in Beaufort County.

During the raid, agents discovered nine adult dogs and one puppy, all of which were transferred to the Humane World for Animals organization for veterinary care. Some of the dogs bore scars and injuries indicative of organized dogfighting, as determined by a veterinarian. One tan male dog specifically had a noticeable wound on its head, also aligning with signs of dogfighting.

While Moultrie was not present at the time of the initial raid, he was apprehended by SLED agents on August 26 and has since been booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center. The case against him is being prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Moultrie was subsequently released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

In addition to Moultrie, another individual, Spencer Lamont Moultrie, 54, of Seabrook, was arrested on August 11 on similar animal fighting charges. Ten dogs were found on Spencer’s property, along with various items linked to dogfighting activities. Veterinarians determined that nine of these dogs displayed scar patterns consistent with dogfighting.

Spencer told investigators that the dogs were not his, claiming ownership belonged to another individual whose identity was not disclosed in the warrant. Further investigations revealed unspecified items associated with dogfighting on his premises.

The investigation received assistance from Beaufort County Animal Control, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office. It is part of a larger effort by SLED to combat dogfighting in the state. Earlier this year, SLED rescued 23 dogs from two different properties in June and 160 dogs from ten properties in April.

Individuals with any information relating to dogfighting in South Carolina are encouraged to reach out to the SLED Dogfighting Unit at tips@sled.sc.gov.

Background on Dogfighting in South Carolina

Dogfighting is a serious criminal offense in South Carolina and is considered a form of animal cruelty. It involves breeding and training dogs to fight each other for the entertainment and profit of spectators. Law enforcement agencies, including SLED, have been actively working to eradicate this illicit practice by investigating complaints, conducting raids, and rescuing animals from dangerous situations. Their recent actions underscore a commitment to animal welfare and public safety.

Key Facts

Facts	Details
Arrestee’s Name	Justinn Benjamin Moultrie
Charges Faced	Nine counts of animal fighting, nine counts of ill treatment of animals
Number of Dogs Seized	Ten (nine adults and one puppy)
Initial Arrest Date	August 11
Date of Charges Filed	August 26
Bond Amount	$5,000 personal recognizance bond
Related Arrest	Spencer Lamont Moultrie, similar charges
Active Investigations	Multiple rescues by SLED in 2023

FAQ Section

What charges did Justinn Benjamin Moultrie face?

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

How many dogs were seized during the raid?

Ten dogs were seized during the raid, which included nine adult dogs and one puppy.

Where are the seized dogs now?

The dogs have been placed in the care of the Humane World for Animals organization for veterinary treatment.

What other arrests were made related to this case?

Spencer Lamont Moultrie, 54, was also arrested on August 11 on similar charges related to animal fighting.

How can someone report suspected dogfighting in South Carolina?

Individuals can report suspected dogfighting by submitting tips to the SLED Dogfighting Unit at tips@sled.sc.gov.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Justinn Moultrie Charged with Animal Fighting Offenses
Beaufort County Animal Services Faces Urgent Shelter Crisis
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Beaufort County Man Faces Charges for Animal Fighting
Burton Resident Charged in Major Dog Fighting Case
Burton Man Faces Charges for Animal Fighting
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

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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