Two Statesville Men Facing Federal Indictment Involving Dog Fighting

Two Statesville men are facing federal charges after authorities say they operated a multi-state dog breeding business that supplied pit bulls for illegal dog fighting activities. A federal indictment unsealed Monday, June 22nd charges 19-year-old Juelz Christopher Daniels and 55-year-old Reginald Lionel Goodson Jr. with conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act. Daniels also faces additional charges related to possessing, training, selling, and advertising fighting dogs.

Federal authorities allege the men operated “Hoodwoods Kennels” from 2021 through May of this year, breeding and training pit bull-type dogs for dog fighting. Investigators say the defendants used equipment such as treadmills, bite sticks, heavy chains, and training poles to condition the animals.

Law enforcement officers arrested both men last Thursday and executed search warrants at three properties, rescuing 25 pit bull-type dogs, including puppies. Authorities also seized equipment and paraphernalia allegedly connected to dog fighting operations.

According to the indictment, Daniels advertised dogs through Facebook groups and messages associated with dog fighting, promoting bloodlines linked to successful fighting dogs and arranging sales to buyers in multiple locations.

Both defendants remain in federal custody. If convicted, they could face significant prison sentences. The case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Iredell, Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell County Sheriff’s offices and the Hickory Police Department.

Story Rob Eastwood-WHKY