21 indicted in separate cockfighting operations

Twenty-one people have been charged in three separate indictments for their involvement in two cockfighting operations in Williamsburg County and Lexington County, U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins said in a press release.

The indictments are the result of a 13-month undercover investigation by state and federal authorities, during which undercover officers attended eight cockfighting derbies near Oceida in Williamsburg County and near Swansea in Lexington County.

Charged in one indictment for alleged criminal conduct in Lexington County were Nancy Elizabeth Dial, 52, of North, Sheri M. Hutto, 48, and Wayne Hugh Hutto, 60, both of Pelion.

A second indictment, also for alleged activity in Lexington County, was issued against Michael T. Rodgers, 57, of Kingstree; Michael Monroe Grooms, 54, of Gilbert; Leslie Wayne Peeler, 41, of Gaffney; Jeffrey Brian Gibert, 38, of Ninety Six; Gerald Benfield, 57, of York; Johnny Junior Harrison, 35, of Aiken; John Carlton Thurman Hoover, 39, of Pelion; Coy Dale Robinson, 31, of Blackstock; Scott Edward Lawson, 41, of Laurens; Jimmie Jesse Hicks, 23, of Swansea; and George William Kelly, 44, of Kershaw.

A third indictment alleging cockfighting in Williamsburg County charged David Earl Davis, 45, and Buster Dale Moore, 61, both of Andrews; Wade Timmons McGee, 34, of Scranton; Roy Wilson Braddock, 51, and Mary Durden Braddock, 55, both of Hollywood; Jonathan Leviner, 38, of Sumter; and Charles E. Allbritton, 66, of Mt. Pleasant.

The indictments allege the suspects operated an unlawful animal fighting venture and an illegal gambling business, and that they conspired to violate the Animal Welfare Act by staging or participating in cockfighting contests.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy, operating an unlawful animal fighting venture, and operating an illegal gambling business is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each charge.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan S. Williams of the Columbia office is prosecuting the cases, which were investigated by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service. The S.C. Attorney General’s Office is assisting in the investigation and prosecution.

Gov. Mark Sanford signed legislation in 2006 that provided increased penalties for cockfighting, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Cockfighting remains a misdemeanor in South Carolina, but the possible penalty was raised from a $100 fine and up to 30 days in prison to a $1,000 fine and up to a year in prison. Second and subsequent offenses bring up to a $3,000 fine and three years in prison.