Two Statesville, North Carolina, men, Juelz Christopher Daniels, 19, and Reginald Lionel Goodson, Jr., 55, are facing federal charges for allegedly operating a multi-state commercial dog breeding enterprise that bred and sold pit bulls for illegal dog fighting, leading to the rescue of 25 dogs. The federal indictment, unsealed yesterday, charges both with conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act.
Daniels also faces three counts related to the possession, training, and sale of fighting dogs, and eight counts of violating the Animal Welfare Act, primarily for his involvement in possessing, training, selling, and advertising fighting dogs on Facebook. Both men were arrested last Thursday, and law enforcement executed search warrants at three residences, seizing 25 pit bull-type dogs, including puppies, along with various items and tools associated with dog fighting.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said, “It’s unbelievable people still engage in dog fighting activities. We are here to protect innocent animals from the abuse and suffering that comes with dog fighting.” Reid Davis, FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge, added, “When the FBI investigates illegal dog‑fighting operations, we’re not just stopping cruelty, we are disrupting violent criminal networks that harm both people and animals.”
According to the indictment, from January 2021 to May 2026, Daniels and Goodson allegedly maintained properties to breed, house, and train pit bull-type dogs for fights. They reportedly used equipment like treadmills, bite sticks, and “spring poles” to enhance the animals' strength and stamina, and operated kennels, including “Hoodwoods Kennels,” to raise dogs selectively bred for aggressiveness and “gameness.”
Daniels allegedly advertised these dogs on Facebook Groups dedicated to illegal dog fighting, touting their fighting bloodlines and pedigrees, often referencing “champions” and “Register of Merit” titles. Both defendants are currently in federal custody. If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, with Daniels facing additional five-year sentences for each of his other counts. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.