Crime & Safety
South Carolina Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Burning Puppy Alive on Facebook
Orangeburg, SC – A disturbing animal cruelty case in Orangeburg County has resulted in a five year federal prison sentence after a man was convicted of burning a puppy alive, marking a historic prosec
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-10-15T19:34:28.708Z
Orangeburg, SC – A disturbing animal cruelty case in Orangeburg County has resulted in a five year federal prison sentence after a man was convicted of burning a puppy alive, marking a historic prosecution under federal animal protection law in South Carolina.
According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff 's Office, Desmond Levon Brown, 30, of Orangeburg, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for animal crushing under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, commonly known as the PACT Act.
Federal officials identified the case as the first prosecution under the PACT Act in the District of South Carolina.
The investigation began Dec. 18, 2024, when deputies received reports of a Facebook Live video allegedly showing Brown repeatedly throwing a puppy into a fire.
Authorities said the animal attempted to escape but was repeatedly thrown back into the flames, ultimately dying from its injuries.
Investigators also obtained recorded jail telephone calls in which Brown admitted to burning the puppy, according to the sheriff's office.
"Brown's actions were cruel, heinous and depraved," U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling said, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to prosecuting animal cruelty.
Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell also condemned the abuse, expressing hope that the prison sentence would give Brown time to reflect on his actions.
U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis imposed the five year sentence, followed by three years of court ordered supervision.
As part of his supervised release, Brown is prohibited from owning or possessing animals. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.
Authorities encourage residents to report suspected animal abuse to local law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.