36 charged in SC cockfighting stings

Warrants have been issued against 36 people for their involvement in two cockfighting operations in Williamsburg and Lexington counties, according to a press release from Attorney General Henery McMaster’s Office.

The warrants are the result of a 13-month undercover investigation by S.C. Department of Natural Resources officers who attended cockfighting events near Swansea in Lexington County and near Oceida in Williamsburg County.

Cockfighting remains a misdemeanor in South Carolina, but the possible penalty was raised in 2006 from a $100 fine and up to 30 days in prison to a $1,000 fine and up to a year in prison in upon conviction. Second and subsequent offense convictions bring up to a $3,000 fine and three years in prison.

According to warrants provided by the McMasters’s Office, those arrested and charged with a single count of cockfighting in Williamsburg County are Noe Veliz-Quintero and Jorge Rolando Veliz Quintero, both of 483 Benton Pond Road, Freemont, N.C.; Jerome David Benenhaley II of 4985 Rooster Circle, Pinewood; Barry Walter M. Limehouse of 591 Old Bell Road, St. George; Oscar Chappell Lemmon III of 9662 Dusty Lane, Ladson; Laurie G. Johnson, 109 Heineman Road, Salters; Robert Wesley Wilson and Robert Wilson, both of 21 Santee Road, Andrews; and Rocky Edwin Booth of 3172 McGee Lane, McColl.

Those facing two counts of the crime are Cody James Davis of 5102 County Line Road, Andrews, and Elbert Eugene Milligan of 3502 Greenleaf Lane, McColl.

“Cockfighting is a crime that leaves an ugly scar on our community,” McMaster said in the release. “The criminal underworld surrounding it is a haven for drugs, violence and gambling. This sting would not have been possible without the dedicated officers of DNR who led and executed this operation.”

Earlier this month, 21 people were charged in three separate federal indictments for their involvement in two cockfighting operations at those same sites, U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins said in a press release.

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.