Fourth suspect charged as Horry County Police Department (HCPD) continues months‑long probe into alleged mistreatment of hound dogs in Longs SC
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
Longs, SC –– The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) has made an additional arrest in the ongoing investigation into alleged animal cruelty at a property in the 3000 block of Rainbow Drive in Longs.
HCPD reports that Byron Scott Chestnut, 38, has been arrested and charged with 25 counts of Animals/Ill Treatment of Animals, in General/Torture. The charges stem from conditions discovered during the recovery of multiple hound dogs on the property.
Investigators allege the dogs were kept tethered to chains and provided inadequate shelter, food and water. At the time officers recovered the animals, temperatures had reached 92 degrees, and investigators documented visible hip and rib bones protruding on several dogs.
A North Carolina‑based dog rescue organization is currently providing care for the recovered animals. The investigation began after HCPD Environmental Services officers received a tip from an anonymous community member.
Three individuals previously arrested and charged with Conspiracy/Criminal Conspiracy in connection with the same investigation include:
• Jachym Ni’Yan Evans, 20
• Themontres Malik Livingston, 24
• Jemar Dwight Chestnut, 44
Read Our Previous July 17 Coverage
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) assisted Horry County Police Department (HCPD) throughout the investigation.
All individuals named in this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
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