HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. — In a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, a local man from Hampton County has been taken into custody, now facing a series of charges related to drugs and animal cruelty.

Justin Golden, aged 29, was apprehended following the execution of search warrants by the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) at two locations tied to him, as part of an ongoing investigation.

During the searches, authorities discovered several dogs suspected of being used in dog fighting or as bait. These animals were found living in substandard conditions, in clear violation of South Carolina’s legal standards for animal care.

In addition to the animals, deputies confiscated illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, and stolen items, including a vehicle.

Golden is now facing an array of charges, including:

• 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.