Strickland Sentenced for Georgia Cockfighting Ring

STATESBORO, GA — In a landmark ruling against animal cruelty and illegal gambling in Georgia, Wendell Allan Strickland, 67, of Swainsboro, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for operating The Red Barn, an infamous cockfighting venue.

Strickland pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Sponsoring and Exhibiting an Animal in an Animal Fighting Venture, Conducting an Illegal Gambling Business, Possession and Transport of an Animal in an Animal Fighting Venture, and Attending an Animal Fighting Venture. He was also hit with a $10,000 fine and a special assessment of $525, and will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes emphasized the seriousness of animal cruelty, stating, ‘Voyeuristic cruelty to animals is not a sport – it is a barbaric anachronism.’ He vowed to continue eradicating such operations from the Southern District.

The Red Barn was a known hub for cockfighting, which law enforcement agencies raided in September 2020. The raid resulted in the seizure of fighting gear and the arrest of Strickland and several participants. Special Agent Jason Williams of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) highlighted the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating animal cruelty.

In related cases, Lanier Augusta Hightower Jr., 65, of Lincolnton, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in similar crimes. William Shannon Scott, 48, of Midville, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to operating another cockfighting venue, Little Sunset.

The USDA-OIG is leading the investigation into these cases, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier A. Cunningham and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Rock handling the prosecution for the United States. Strickland’s property and those of Scott and Hightower are subject to forfeiture proceedings as part of their sentences.