FRANKFORT, KY (December 27, 2024) - Following a years-long investigation across the commonwealth in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) arrested multiple individuals in connection to illegal chicken fighting. The arrests led to seven federal indictments and plea agreements, which were reached in early December.
The effort was led by Detective Zachary Bryson, who is assigned to KSP's Drug Enforcement Special Investigations (DESI) unit and serves as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Detective Bryson's collaboration with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Attorney's Office culminated in the arrests of multiple individuals involved in illegal chicken fighting operations across eastern Kentucky.
In 2021, KSP's DESI East received a tip about illegal chicken fighting in the Blackberry community of Pike County. Using a confidential informant, detectives conducted surveillance on the Blackberry Chicken Pit seven times between April 3, 2021, and November 6, 2021. Despite the closure of the Blackberry Chicken Pit before a search warrant could be executed, the investigation provided critical insights into the operation and its organizers.
In late 2021, Detective Bryson was informed of another large chicken fight being held in the Whitesburg community of Letcher County. Between February 5, 2022, and February 26, 2022, surveillance operations were conducted on three occasions, culminating in the execution of a search warrant.
As a result of these investigations, federal indictments were secured against seven individuals linked to both locations and plea agreements were reached in Dec. 2024. Among them was the owner and operator of the Whitesburg Chicken Pit, who pleaded guilty to his charges, dismantled the chicken fighting arena and forfeited $85,395 as part of his plea agreement on Dec. 5, 2024. Sentencing for others involved includes eight months of home detention for one individual and ongoing proceedings for others.
"Animal fighting ventures are cruel and illegal," said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. (right) "Whether it involves illegal gambling or animal abuse, the criminal intent behind these operations will not be tolerated. Detective Bryson's dedication to this complex investigation reflects KSP's unwavering commitment to serving justice across the commonwealth."
The crackdown on illegal chicken fighting reinforces the state's commitment to protecting its communities and ensuring that Kentucky remains a place where the law is upheld and animals are treated with dignity.
"The successful prosecutions in these cases were made possible by the hard work and determination of my fellow detectives and partnerships with the FBI, USDA and the U.S. Attorney's Office," said Detective Bryson. "There is zero tolerance for these inhumane and dangerous practices and we will continue to work together to end this cruel activity."
The individuals arrested and indicted in connection to both chicken fighting rings are:
Blackberry Investigation
- Timothy Sizemore was sentenced to 26 months of incarceration, two years supervised release, and a $1,000.00 fine for Running an Animal Fighting Venture.
- Perry Hatfield was sentenced to eight months of home detention for Running an Animal Fighting Venture.
Whitesburg Investigation
- Robert Dewayne Baker has pled guilty but awaits sentencing to Conspiracy to Commit Animal Fighting
- Virgil Saylor has pled guilty but awaits sentencing for helping run the chicken fight
- Tina Miller has pled guilty but awaits sentencing for helping run the chicken fight
- Brandon Honeycutt has pled guilty and awaits sentencing for being a referee at the fights
- Chris Prater has pled guilty but awaits sentencing for Exhibiting and Animal at an Animal fight.
NOTE: Charges against Henry Locke, regarding his involvement with the Whitesburg Investigation, were dismissed following his death in December of 2023.
Earlier this year, KSP made fourteen arrests for chicken fighting operations in Casey County.
KSP encourages anyone with information about illegal activity to contact one of KSP's 16 posts or report tips confidentially through the KSP website tip form.
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