Defendants Sentenced for Involvement in Expansive Cockfighting Operation
Four members of an Alabama family were sentenced this past week for their role in what federal officials call, “one of the largest cockfighting operations in the country.” The sentencing of four members of the Easterling family of Verbena, Alabama, comes after three other family members were sentenced in October.
The Easterlings were accused of operating a “large-scale cockfighting arena (cockfighting pit) and massive fighting-bird breeding business,” which the court determined involved “animal fighting on an ‘exceptional scale.’”
The four defendants recently sentenced pleaded guilty to multiple felonies on August 5, including violating the Animal Welfare Act’s prohibition against animal fighting ventures and operating an illegal gambling business.
Special Agent in Charge Jason Williams of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) said, “This agency has made animal fighting a high priority to demonstrate that these blatant acts of cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”
Court documents show the Easterlings hosted illegal cockfighting events from at least January 2018 through June 11, 2022. The cockfighting “pit” included an arena with “stadium-style seating for approximately 150 people,” several fighting rings, outbuildings, and a “merchandise stand.”
Weapons such as sharp blades would be strapped to the roosters’ legs during the fights, which were conducted for the “purpose of sport, wagering and entertainment.” Participants were also charged “expensive fees” to enter their birds.
The cockfighting arena was dismantled and destroyed after the plea deal was reached.
In addition, the family is accused of running two large bird-breeding business called Swift Creek Gamefarm and L&L Gamefarm, where thousands of birds were bred for the purpose of fighting.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said, “As these sentences vividly show, the Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable those who encourage and profit from forcing animals to fight each other for human entertainment.”
Among those sentenced this past week:
77-year-old William Colon “Jim” Easterling to two years of home detention due to his “declining health.” Prosecutors say he “owned and operated the cockfighting pit for many years.”
56-year-old George William “Billy” Easterling to 22 months behind bars. Prosecutors say he operated Swift Creek Gamefarm.
38-year-old Brent Colon Easterling to 24 months in prison. Prosecutors say he ran L&L Gamefarm with his wife Kassie and promoted the fights.
30-year-old William “Tyler” Easterling to 20 months for helping his father Billy run Swift Creek Gamefarm.
The case was investigated by the USDA-OIG and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistance came from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Greenville County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office.