A 19-year-old North Carolina man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after prosecutors said he bred, trained and sold dogs for use in illegal dogfighting.
Juelz Christopher Daniels, of Statesville, admitted violating the Animal Welfare Act in federal court on Thursday, October 15, according to the US Department of Justice. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy, possessing and training fighting dogs, selling them and advertising them on Facebook.
Prosecutors said Daniels and co-defendant Reginald Lionel Goodson operated one or more kennels and ran the alleged operation between January 2021 and May 2026.
Search warrants carried out at three properties linked to the men led to the rescue and seizure of 25 pit bull-type dogs, including puppies. Authorities also recovered equipment and other items they said were connected to breeding and training animals for fighting.
The Justice Department said Daniels advertised dogs in Facebook groups dedicated to illegal dogfighting and contacted potential buyers through Facebook Messenger. Prosecutors said he knew that at least some of the purchasers intended to use the animals in fights.
US 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.”
Daniels remains in federal custody and no sentencing date has been set. Goodson’s charges remain pending.
The investigation involved the FBI, the US Marshals Service, the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and several local law enforcement agencies, including sheriff’s offices in Iredell, Burke, Catawba and Caldwell counties, as well as Hickory Police Department.
