Cockfighting Ring Uncovered, Busted on Randolph County Farm

"We're not going to tolerate this in Randolph County."

Sheriff Maynard Reid's declaration came as his department was sorting out the details after breaking up a major cockfighting ring busted Saturday.

At last count, 73 people are in custody, along with cash, drugs and weapons. Investigators believe the illegal ring had been in operation for two years.

Reid said the operation was run from an old chicken farm on Riverside Road in Ramseur. The fight was held in one of the buildings on the property, while the other two buildings were used to hide the cars from people who reportedly drove from as far as Vermont to see.

"It's just a very brutal sport," said Reid. One also fueled by cash. The sheriff said organizers were charging $25 per person admission and prize money for event totaled $40,000.

In addition to finding injured and dead chickens, health department workers said they found 130 live birds on the property.

Among those arrested was Barry Ritter, who Reid believes was operating the ring on property owned by Ritter's father.

"We haven't charged him at this time," said Reid. "However something like this can't go on on your property without you knowing about it."

Investigators said about 35 people ran into the woods during the bust.

Deputies seized 75 cars and trucks. Reid said every towing company in the county had to be called in to handle it all.

"Each one of these vehicles will be inventoried and taken in and stored because any vehicle used in the commission of a felony is subject to confiscation," said Reid.