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21 indicted in cockfighting organizations

COLUMBIA, SC (WMBF) - Twenty-one people were indicted Wednesday for their involvement in two cockfighting organizations in Lexington and Williamsburg Counties.

According to U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins, the indictments come after a 13-month undercover investigation by state and federal authorities during which undercover officers attended eight cockfighting derbies near  Swansea and Oceida.

The indictments allege that the defendants operated an unlawful animal fighting venture and an illegal gambling business, and that they conspired to violate the Animal Welfare Act by staging or participating in cockfighting contests.

Charged in one indictment for alleged criminal conduct in Lexington County were:

• Nancy Elizabeth Dial, 52, of North
• Sheri M. Hutto, 48, of Pelion
• Wayne Hugh Hutto, 60, of Pelion.

A second indictment, also for alleged activity in Lexington County, was issued against the following:

• 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
• George William Kelly, 44, of Kershaw

A third Indictment alleging cockfighting in Williamsburg County charged:

• Roy Wilson Braddock, 51, of Hollywood
• Mary Durden Braddock, 55, of Hollywood
• Jonathan Leviner, 38, of Sumter
• David Earl Davis, 45, of Andrews
• Buster Dale Moore, 61, of Andrews
• Wade Timmons Mcgee, 34, of Scranton
• Charles E. Allbritton, 66, of Mt. Pleasant

The maximum penalty for conspiracy, operating an unlawful animal fighting venture, and operating an illegal gambling business is five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 on each charge.

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