Three locals charged in cockfighting ring

By Christy Mullins - The Herald

Three local men have been charged with cockfighting in a state-wide undercover sting.

Department of Natural Resources officers attended cockfighting events in Lexington and Williamsburg Counties and found 36 people to be involved in the misdemeanor crime, including Bobby Joe Green, 50, of Chester; James Bryant Rayfield, 67, of Clover and Eddie Randal Morgan, 60, of Edgemoor, Attorney General Henry McMaster announced Friday.

All were charged in Lexington County for cockfights near Swansea.

Officers also attended fights near Oceida in Williamsburg County.

DNR�s investigation lasted 13 months, McMaster said, uncovering not only a slew of cockfights but also "the underworld surrounding it � a haven for drugs, violence and gambling."

"Cockfighting is a crime that leaves an ugly scar on our community," McMaster said Friday in a press release.

Cockfighting is punishable by up to one year imprisonment or a $1,000 fine.

In 2005, McMaster led an effort to increase the state's maximum penalty for cockfighting from 30 days to one year imprisonment for first offense. A second offense now carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment.

All offenses will be prosecuted by the state Attorney General�s Office.