Nearly 200 Goats Left To Die At Lafayette County Farm

Investigators say nearly 200 goats have been discovered dead at a farm in Lafayette County. A Darlington couple, Stephanie and Kyle Lincicum are charged with 20 counts of mistreatment of animals, 20 counts of intentionally failing to provide food for an animal, along with timely disposition of known carcasses and theft. A report says the Lincicums came to an agreement with the farm property owner that they would take over operations and eventually purchase the farm from the owner. Investigators with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office said the Farm Service Agency called to report a number of deceased goats on the property.  Sheriff Reg Gill said deputies soon learned there were nearly 200 goats on the farm with only two still alive but barely standing up and added that it had been some time since any feed for the goats had been purchased. According to the criminal complaint, investigators brought a veterinarian to the scene who observed the deceased goats. The veterinarian reported signs of starvation and signs of ‘no flowing water for weeks’.  The couple is accused of selling several of the goats and making a profit of more than $37,000.  Gill said the couple technically did not own the goats and did not have the right to sell them in the first place without the owner’s consent. Gill said the couple reported that they were putting the money back into the farm. Instead, investigators believe they used the money for their own needs. If found guilty, the Lincicums could both serve prison time.