Suspect in death of 300,000 chickens arrested

Clarendon County Sheriff's Office deputies have arrested the suspect they think is responsible for the vandalism of 16 chicken houses and the deaths of more than 300,000 chickens. The vandalism and destruction of chickens caused approximately $1.7 million in damage.

James Laverne Lowery, 44, of Sumter County, was arrested at his home about 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Clarendon County Sheriff's Office Maj. Kipp Coker said that they had warrants for Lowery's arrest and had requested him to come speak to deputies at the sheriff's office on Tuesday evening. After Lowery failed to appear, the deputies went to his home and placed the suspect in custody.

Coker said that Lowery was a chicken farmer in Sumter County who had a contract with Pilgrim's Pride Corp. that was terminated. Coker said that he did not know the exact time of the termination.

Lowery faces eight counts of second-degree burglary and four counts of malicious injury to animals over $10,000, according to Coker.

All of the incidents occurred in February in Clarendon County, with one farm in Sumter County being hit. Chicken houses were targeted sporadically from the northern to the southern ends of the county, including Manning, Gable and Summerton areas. All the farms targeted were contracted with Pilgrim's Pride Corp.

A news conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at  Clarendon County Sheriff's Office.