Between 60 and 80 individuals were taken into custody on charges ranging from cockfighting to marijuana possession at the scene of the bust, a wooded area off McKenzie Road in McBee. Most or all have since been released after posting bail.
"Basically, everyone is out and awaiting their court date, which has been scheduled for July 13 in McBee," Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker said.
Investigators said they think the ringleaders of the operation were McBee brothers J.B. McKenzie and Johnny McKenzie and alleged co-conspirator Marshall Bundy of Wagram, N.C.
The McKenzies have denied ownership of the property raided Saturday, but records indicate that the land does belong to the McKenzie family. Bundy might have acted as the host of the event, as well as coordinated similar cockfighting outfits in both Carolinas and Georgia, Parker said.
"They're not cooperating. They're denying everything," Parker said.
Fourth Circuit Solicitor Jay Hodge confirmed this week that because of cockfighting's nonfelony status, the case might likely be prosecuted exclusively in magistrate court.
Spectators were charged $20 for general admission. Those wanting to fight their roosters were charged $200.
Of the 100 chickens discovered on the site, 13 were already dead and another eight were confiscated as they were unclaimed.
The rest, albeit reluctantly, were returned to their owners after being photographed and documented, Parker said. He cited the county's lack of resources and facilities needed to house, feed and care for the dozens of fighting fowl as the reasoning for that decision.
The gamecocks' expensive price tags, anywhere from $400 to $3,000, might ensure their well-being, Parker said.
"It's a high-dollar industry," he said. "Considering how much they're worth, I'm sure their owners are going to take adequate care of them until."
Under state statute, cockfighting is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $100 fine and as many as 30 days in jail.
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