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The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides quality manpower and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and conducts investigations on behalf of the state as directed by the Governor and Attorney General.

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The SLED Forensic Services Laboratory hosts 12 departments and serves criminal justice agencies throughout South Carolina.

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SLED's Counter Terrorism Department is made up of the Arson Unit, the Aviation Unit, the Bloodhound Tracking and Canine Team, the Bomb Squad, the Counterterrorism Dive Unit (CDU), the SWAT Team, and the SeaHawk Interagency Operations Center (IOC), as well as Protective Services & Emergency Management.

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The South Carolina Fusion Center utilizes the expertise and resources of local, state, federal, and private sector security and intelligence professionals to provide intelligence and analysis to law enforcement agencies, including first responders and critical infrastructure in South Carolina to detect, prevent, apprehend and respond to criminal and terrorist activity.

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The SLED Narcotics Unit assists local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies with drug investigations. SLED's Alcohol Enforcement Agents investigate violations of beer, wine, or liquor laws and regulations. This department also includes SLED's Human Trafficking Unit, Dogfighitng Unit, Immigration Enforcement Unit, Lottery Investigations Unit, and Tobacco Enforcement Unit.

Narcotics, Alcohol & Vice Special Operations
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Friday, Nov 6, 2026

SLED Helps Rescue 11 Dogs, Charges Richland County Man with Animal Fighting and Ill Treatment of Animals

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Thomas Hoefer, 57, with Animal Fighting and Ill Treatment of Animals on Friday, November 6, 2026. 

SLED partnered with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The ASPCA transported 11 dogs for medical evaluation and treatment. 

Details can be found in the attached warrants. 

Hoefer was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County.

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