In a sweeping multi-agency operation, authorities in Hampton County, South Carolina, have taken 29-year-old Justin Golden into custody. Golden faces a slew of charges related to drugs and animal cruelty after law enforcement executed search warrants at two properties tied to him.

The investigations, led by the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, uncovered several dogs suspected of being used in dog fighting or as bait animals. These animals were found in deplorable conditions, contravening South Carolina’s laws on animal welfare.

In addition to the animal-related offenses, deputies unearthed a cache of narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and stolen items, including a vehicle, during their searches.

Golden is now confronting multiple charges, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses discovered during this operation.

The extensive investigation was a collaborative effort, involving numerous agencies such as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Charleston County Animal Control and Environmental Services, Summerville Police Department, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Colleton County Sheriff’s Animal Crimes Unit, Hampton County Animal Shelter, and North Carolina’s Forgotten Now Family Rescue.

• Animal fighting or baiting act penalty
• Conspiracy/criminal conspiracy
• 20 counts of ill treatment of animals in general (torture)
• Trafficking in fentanyl of 4g or more but less than 14g
• Trafficking in fentanyl of 14g or more but less than 28g
• Trafficking in cocaine of 10g or more but less than 28g
• Trafficking in methamphetamine or cocaine base of 10g or more but less than 28g
• Possession of marijuana of 28g or hashish of 10g or less
• 3 counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of certain crimes
• 2 counts of receiving stolen goods

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Charleston County Animal Control and Environmental Services, the Summerville Police Department, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Colleton County Sheriff’s Animal Crimes Unit, Hampton County Animal Shelter and the North Carolina Forgotten Now Family Rescue were among the agencies that assisted with this case.