CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
After years of quiet surveillance, undercover informants and the assembly of evidence, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) have taken down two illegal chicken fighting rings in Eastern Kentucky. Multiple arrests culminated in seven federal indictments and plea deals finalized earlier this month, officials said Friday.
The effort, spearheaded by Detective Zachary Bryson of KSP’s Drug Enforcement Special Investigations unit and a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was a patchwork of local tips, federal resources and old-fashioned persistence. Bryson worked alongside the FBI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to dismantle operations in Pike and Letcher counties.
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 and Nov. 6, 2021. Despite the closure of the Blackberry Chicken Pit before a search warrant could be executed, the investigation yielded a roadmap of illegal activity and key players.
By late 2021, attention shifted to another hotbed: the Whitesburg Chicken Pit in Letcher County. Between Feb. 5 and 26, 2022, investigators conducted three surveillance operations. This time their efforts ended with a search warrant and arrests.
As a result of these investigations, seven individuals face federal indictments linked to both locations. Among them, the owner of the Whitesburg Chicken Pit pleaded guilty to his charges Dec. 5, dismantled the chicken fighting arena and forfeited $85,395. 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. “Whether it’s illegal gambling or outright 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.”
Officials said 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.”
Here’s the rundown of those arrested and indicted in the two operations:
Blackberry investigation
- Timothy Sizemore: 26 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $1,000 fine for running an animal fighting venture.
- Perry Hatfield: Eight months of home detention for his role in organizing fights.
Whitesburg investigation
- Robert Dewayne Baker: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit animal fighting; awaiting sentencing.
- Virgil Saylor: Pleaded guilty to aiding in organizing the fights; awaiting sentencing.
- Tina Miller: Pleaded guilty to aiding in organizing the fights; awaiting sentencing.
- Henry Locke: Charges were dismissed following his death in December 2023.
- Brandon Honeycutt: Pleaded guilty to officiating fights; awaiting sentencing.
- Chris Prater: Pleaded guilty to exhibiting an animal at a fight; awaiting sentencing.
This is not the first time Kentucky law enforcement has tangled with chicken fighting rings. Earlier this year, KSP made 14 arrests in Casey County tied to similar operations.
KSP urges anyone with information about illegal activity—whether it’s cockfighting, gambling or any other crime—to report tips confidentially via their website tip form or contact one of KSP’s 16 posts.