COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Georgia man is facing serious criminal charges after South Carolina authorities broke up what they describe as an organized, high-stakes dogfighting event in a rural area of Richland County.

Patrick Oneal Heard, 47, was arrested and charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Friday, September 19, with Criminal Conspiracy and two counts of Ill Treatment of Animals. The arrest stems from a major investigation into illegal animal fighting activities in the Eastover area.

According to arrest warrants released by SLED, Heard was among dozens of individuals present at an active dogfight on April 20, 2024. The event, held in a secluded wooded area near Eastover, reportedly drew numerous spectators who paid an entry fee to attend. Investigators say the fi

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