A multi-agency operation that busted an alleged chicken fighting ring in Jeff Davis County resulted in 12 arrests on a variety of charges.
On the weekend of June 3, 2023 and the following days, several agencies executed three search warrants at two addresses in Jeff Davis County and one in Appling County. Several arrests were made in relation to a chicken fighting operation going on in Jeff Davis County.
As early as February 2023, the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office and the United States Department of Agriculture were conducting an investigation into chicken fighting derbies happening in Hazlehurst, Ga. In the following months, agents were able to identify property owners, facilitators, handlers, spectators and several more individuals involved and participating in the bloodsport of cock fighting.
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, ten agencies descended on a property in the Graham area off of Martin Sellers Road in Jeff Davis County. Agents searched two residences and a barn area where the suspected derbies were taking place. Agents discovered chicken fighting tools, pens, cages, blind boxes, discarded dead roosters, drugs, firearms and large sums of cash. At the derby site, agents discovered a sophisticated arena that contained an office, a main pit with stadium seating, two side pits, a weigh station, fighting board, calendars and ledgers as well as a concession stand and its menu.
On Sunday, June 4, 2023 a search warrant was executed at a residence in Appling County in the Lake Mayers area. When officers arrived on scene they discovered two individuals at the residence attempting to remove evidence from the home. Agents discovered chicken fighting tools, ammunition, suspected marijuana, suspected methamphetamine and a stolen firearm in a vehicle.
On Monday, June 5, 2023 a search warrant was executed at a residence in Jeff Davis County. Agents searched 10 acres of property. During the search, officers discovered a game fowl farm with over 100 rooster pens, chicken fighting tools, several firearms and large sums of cash.
A total of 28 firearms were removed from three convicted felons’ possessions and officers seized over $90,000.
During the initial stage, twelve subjects were arrested in connection to the cock fighting operation.
Ricky Lamar Stone, 62, Hazlehurst, Ga- aggravated animal cruelty x5, commercial gambling x5, more charges pending.
Ramona Stone, 60, Hazlehurst, Ga- parties to a crime of animal cruelty x5, parties to a crime of commercial gambling x5.
Lowell Edward White, 61, Baxley, Ga- cruelty to animals x5, commercial gambling x5, criminal solicitation.
Robert Newton White, 64, Baxley, Ga- tampering with evidence, obstruction of law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by receiving stolen property (firearm).
Jonah Caleb White, 21, Baxley, Ga- tampering with evidence, obstruction of law enforcement officer.
Eddie Wayne Bush, 60, Hazlehurst, Ga- aggravated cruelty to animals, commercial gambling.
Dallas Neil Spivey, 39, Ambrose, Ga- parties to a crime of cruelty to animals x2, commercial gambling x2.
Justin Lewis Brown, 35, Uvalda, Ga- parties to a crime of cruelty to animals, commercial gambling.
Kailey Nicole Rogers, 23, Uvalda, Ga- parties to a crime of cruelty to animals, commercial gambling.
James Craig Scott, 64, Alma, Ga- parties to a crime of cruelty to animals, parties to a crime of commercial gambling.
Haley Marie McKinnon, 23, Hazlehurst, Ga- possession of fentanyl, tampering with evidence, possession of drug related objects.
Cashus Jordan Crosby, 30, Hazlehurst, Ga- possession of fentanyl, possession of drug related objects. Crosby had active arrest warrant for possession of methamphetamine which was served at the time of his arrest.
This case is being investigated by the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Agriculture and the FBI. This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
Sheriff Preston Bohannon wants to thank all the agencies who assisted in the search warrants and those who are actively involved.
Dodge County SRT SWAT
Nicholls Police Department
Regional Georgia State Patrol
Alma-Bacon Crime Suppression Unit
Mt. Vernon Police Department
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office
United States Department of Agriculture
Federal Bureau of Investigation