FRANKFORT, Ky. — After a years-long investigation across the state and with multiple law enforcement agencies, Kentucky State police have arrested several people in connection with illegal chicken fighting. According to a release from KSP, the arrests led to eight federal indictments and plea agreements.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky State Police and mulitple other law enforcement agencies broke up a pair of large chicken fighting rings

  • The years-long investigation led to eight federal indictments and mulitple plea agreements

  • The rings were in Pike and Letcher Counties

  • Earlier this year, another large cockfighting ring was broken up in Casey County

In 2021, KSP’s Drug Enforcement Special Investigations unit, led by Detective Zachary Bryson, received a tip about illegal cockfighting in Pike County. A confidential informant helped detectives conduct surveillance at the Blackberry Chicken Pit for seven months from April until Nov. 2021. The pit closed before a search warrant could be executed, but the investigation provided information about the operation and the operators.

Later in 2021, detectives learned of another large chicken fight being held Whitesburg in Letcher County, which is close to Pike County. In Feb. 2022, another surveillance operation was conducted, this led to a search warrant being executed.

“Animal fighting ventures are cruel and illegal,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “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 two investigations led to federal indictments against eight people linked to both the Blackberry and Whitesburg incidents. One of those indicted was the owner and operator of the Whitesburg chicken pit. He pleaded guilty, hand his cockfighting ring dismantled, and he was forced forfeit $85,395 as part of his plea agreement. Sentencing for others involved includes eight months of home detention for one person and ongoing proceedings for others.

“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

  • Henry Locke has pled guilty but awaits sentencing for selling gaffs at the fight. Charges against Locke, regarding his involvement with the Whitesburg Investigation, were dismissed following his death in Dec. 2023

  • 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.

Earlier this year, KSP made 14 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.