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Whiteford pair face federal charges after 44 dogs found at property
A federal grand jury has charged a Whiteford father and son with allegedly breeding, training and trafficking pit bull-type dogs for fighting. Authorities say a 2025 search of their property uncovered 44 dogs and equipment investigators described as used to condition fighting dogs.
A federal grand jury has indicted a Whiteford father and son on charges tied to an alleged dogfighting operation that authorities say ran for years in Harford County.
Theodore Lamont Stinson, 48, and Theodore Lamont Stinson Jr., 25, were arrested Thursday, Oct. 15, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland. The indictment accuses them and unnamed co-conspirators of buying, selling, breeding, training and using pit bull-type dogs for fighting from April 2016 onward. Prosecutors allege the dogs were kept at the men’s property and that they operated a kennel called KLK to advertise dogs for sale.
The charges include conspiracy to engage in an animal-fighting venture; possessing, training, selling or transporting animals for such a venture; using the mail or other interstate services to promote dogfighting; and interstate or foreign travel in aid of racketeering.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office and its Animal Control Unit searched the residence on July 17, 2025, under a warrant. Investigators reported finding 44 pit bull-type dogs, veterinary medications and supplies, breeding equipment, a spring pole and rope used to condition dogs, and records relating to dog sales and pedigrees.
Each man faces a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison on each of the listed charges if convicted. The indictment contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.