The Kentucky State Police (KSP) revealed on Friday that they have made a significant breakthrough in their investigation of illegal chicken fighting. After several years of diligent work and close cooperation with local and federal law enforcement agencies, seven individuals have been apprehended and charged with participating in this unlawful activity.
Detective Zachary Bryson, a member of the Kentucky State Police’s Drug Enforcement Special Investigations (DESI) unit, spearheaded the initiative. Additionally, Bryson serves as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Working in conjunction with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bryson successfully apprehended several individuals suspected of participating in illegal chicken fighting activities throughout eastern Kentucky.
In 2021, DESI was alerted to illegal chicken fighting taking place in the Blackberry community of Pike County. Acting on this tip, detectives carried out surveillance on the Blackberry Chicken Pit a total of seven times between April and November of that year. Although the Blackberry Chicken Pit was shut down before a search warrant could be executed, the investigation yielded valuable insights into the operation and the individuals behind it.
In late 2021, Bryson discovered news of a significant chicken fight taking place in the Whitesburg community of Letcher County. Between February 5-26, 2022, three surveillance operations were carried out, ultimately leading to the execution of a search warrant.
After conducting investigations, federal indictments were filed against eight individuals associated with both establishments. In December 2024, plea agreements were reached. One of those charged was the owner and operator of Whitesburg Chicken Pit, who pleaded guilty and took down the chicken fighting arena. As part of the plea agreement on December 5, 2024, he also forfeited $85,395. Another individual received a sentence of eight months of home detention, while legal proceedings continue for the remaining individuals involved.
The individuals who have been apprehended and accused in connection with the chicken fighting rings include:
Blackberry Investigation
Timothy Sizemore has been sentenced to 26 months in prison, along with two years of supervised release and a fine of $1,000.00, for his involvement in running an animal fighting venture.
Perry Hatfield received a sentence of eight months of home detention for his involvement in running an animal fighting venture.
Whitesburg Investigation
Robert Dewayne Baker is currently awaiting his sentencing for Conspiracy to Commit Animal Fighting.
Virgil Saylor and Tina Miller are currently awaiting sentencing for their involvement in assisting with the operation of the chicken fight.
Brandon Honeycutt is currently awaiting sentencing for his involvement as a referee in the fight.
Chris Prater is currently waiting for his sentencing for the charge of exhibiting an animal at a fight.