Related Federal Cases
- Shirley Ray Slone, Cockfighting Operation, KY 2024 · Virginia
- Shirley Ray Slone, Cockfighting Conspiracy, KY 2024 · Virginia
- Virginia Man Charged for Assaulting Cops on Jan. 6 Capitol Riot · Virginia
- West Virginia 2012: Crime Rates on the Rise · Virginia
- Rollie C. Poynter, Jr., Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2016 · Virginia
Slone Brothers, Cockfighting Conspiracy, Virginia 2024
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – In a major blow to the world of animal fighting, the 8,000 square-foot facility known as the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club in McDowell, Kentucky, was razed following the guilty pleas of the property’s two owners, Shirley Ray Slone and Vernon Kelly Slone. The duo, who had forfeited $100,000 as part of their plea agreements, were sentenced in Federal Court to probation for a term of one year.
Shirley Ray Slone, 73, and Vernon Kelly Slone, 69, both of McDowell, Kentucky, were previously heard pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to cause others to attend a cockfight. In addition, the pair agreed to pay for the complete destruction of the 8,000 square-foot facility known as the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club, which was completed in early May. The demolition was a direct result of the guilty pleas and sentences handed down to the Slone brothers.
The Big Blue Sportsman’s Club, a 5,000-member club that hosted cockfights for more than 30 years, was the site of a law enforcement raid in 2014. Federal charges relating to cockfighting, gambling, and narcotics arose out of the investigation. According to testimony presented in the hearing, the Slones began hosting cockfights at Big Blue in 1977 and quit operating the facility in the early 1990s. They then leased the facility to others for use as a cockfighting pit.
The individuals who rented the facility paid the Slones $3 for each person who attended a cockfight. The facility, which featured arena-style seating, multiple fighting pits, and a restaurant, was a major hub for animal fighting in the region. The razing of the facility marks a significant victory for law enforcement and animal welfare organizations.
Seven other individuals were previously convicted and sentenced for their roles in the Big Blue cockfighting conspiracy. These individuals include Russell D. Peaks, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and Jonathan Robinson, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison. The others sentenced include Wesley Dean Robinson (6 months), Joshua Stumbo (10 months), Sonya Stumbo (10 months), Walter Stumbo (18 months), and Jimmy Crate Willis (probation).
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Virginia Assistant Attorney General Michelle Welch. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau of Law Enforcement, and the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. Various other agencies assisted with arrests, search warrants, and other related proceedings.
The sentencing of the Slone brothers brings closure to a long and complex investigation. The razing of the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club serves as a reminder that animal fighting will not be tolerated in this country. Law enforcement and animal welfare organizations will continue to work together to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
