Statesville Men Indicted in Alleged Multi-State Dog Fighting Breeding Operation

Two Statesville men are facing federal charges after authorities say they were involved in a multi-state dog breeding operation that allegedly produced and sold pit bulls for illegal dog fighting.

A federal grand jury in Charlotte has unsealed an indictment charging 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 multiple additional charges related to the possession, training, advertising, and sale of fighting dogs.

Federal investigators say the operation involved breeding and training pit bull-type dogs for dog fighting and marketing them online, primarily through Facebook groups and Messenger. According to the indictment, the dogs were advertised with references to fighting bloodlines and pedigrees tied to so-called champion fighting dogs.

Authorities say the operation included properties associated with “Hoodwoods Kennels,” where investigators allege dogs were selectively bred for aggression and endurance traits commonly associated with dog fighting. Officials also say training equipment such as treadmills, bite tools, chains, and other paraphernalia were used to condition the animals for fighting.

During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at three locations, where 25 pit bull-type dogs, including puppies, were rescued and seized along with breeding and training equipment.

Officials say Daniels allegedly promoted and sold the dogs through Facebook groups dedicated to dog fighting communities, at times advertising pedigrees and bloodlines tied to fighting history.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson condemned the activity, while the FBI said the case also helps disrupt broader criminal networks tied to animal cruelty.

Both defendants are currently in federal custody. If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge, with additional potential penalties for Daniels on the other counts. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge.

Authorities stressed that all charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.