A Maryland father and son have been arrested and indicted on federal charges in connection with an alleged dog-fighting operation that authorities say dates back more than a decade.
Theodore Lamont Stinson, 48, and Theodore Lamont Stinson Jr., 25, both of Whiteford in Harford County, were charged in a 12-count federal indictment with conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and several related offenses.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the indictment alleges that since at least April 2016, the Stinsons and their co-conspirators bought, sold, bred, trained and used pit-bull-type dogs for dog fighting.
Authorities allege the father and son operated a kennel under the name “KLK,” which was used to advertise dogs. Dogs were allegedly kept at their property for sale, transportation and breeding.
According to the indictment, both men provided oversight for the dogs, with the elder Stinson advising his son about their care. Authorities also allege that the two arranged transportation related to dog sales and breeding, with Stinson often arranging transportation and Stinson Jr. transporting dogs to their destinations.
The investigation included the execution of search-and-seizure warrants at Stinson’s residence on July 17, 2025, by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and its Animal Control Unit.
Investigators said they discovered 44 pit-bull-type dogs along with veterinary medications and supplies, a breeding stand, paperwork related to dog sales and pedigrees, and a spring pole and rope accessory that authorities allege was used to train and condition fighting dogs.
The Stinsons face charges of conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture; buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture; using the postal service or other interstate instrumentalities to promote or further an animal fighting venture; and interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises.
Each charge carries a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically below the maximum and are determined by a federal judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation involved the FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and its Animal Control Unit, Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Maryland National Guard 32nd Civil Support Team.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s Office does not provide photos of defendants.
