Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Lexington residents indicted in cockfighting probe

Investigations into two alleged cockfighting operations have led to indictments of 21 people in Lexington and Williamsburg counties.

The three indictments resulted from a 13-month undercover investigation by state and federal authorities.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said undercover agents went to eight cockfighting derbies near Swansea and Oceida in Williamsburg County.

One indictment accuses Nancy Elizabeth Dial, 52, of North; and Sheri M. Hutto, 48, and Wayne Hugh Hutto, 60, of Pelion, with operating an unlawful animal fighting venture, operating an illegal gambling business and violating the Animal Welfare Act.

Another indictment makes similar accusations against

Michael Monroe Grooms, 54, of Gilbert;

Michael T. Rodgers, 57, of Kingstree;

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.

The third indictment names Roy Wilson Braddock, 51, and Mary Durden Braddock, 55, of Hollywood;

Jonathan Leviner, age 38, of Sumter;

David Earl Davis, age 45, and Buster Dale Moore, age 61, both of Andrews;

Wade Timmons Mcgee, age 34, of Scranton; and

Charles E. Allbritton, age 66, of Mt. Pleasant.

If convicted, those named int he indictments face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge.

-- Kelly Davis

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