CV man among 26 suspects arrested during illegal cock fighting operation in San Bernardino County
Jesus Reyes
HESPERIA, Calif. (KESQ) – A Coachella Valley man was one of 26 people arrested as part of an investigation into an illegal cock fighting operation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The arrests happened Sunday morning in Hesperia. Authorities said deputies responded to the area for an unknown problem involving multiple people. Upon arrival at the business, numerous subjects ran from the building. Deputies detained 26 suspects.
Deputies then searched inside the business for additional subjects and found an active cock fight. Rural Crimes Task Force was contacted and assumed the investigation.
A search warrant was written for the business and vehicles on the property. During the search, investigators located a cock fighting ring, 56 live roosters housed individually, 24 deceased roosters, score cards, gaffs, five firearms and food catering.
Between the 26 subjects, investigators collected as evidence approximately $28,000 in U.S. currency.
Inside multiple vehicles, investigators located numerous gaffs and other items indicative of illegal cock fighting.
Hesperia Animal Control was contacted and responded to assist with the investigation.
The suspects were all booked at the High Desert Detention Center for felony charges.
“Although cock fighting is legal in other countries, it is not legal in the United States. The Rural Crimes Team takes these investigations very seriously and will investigate them to the fullest and suspects will be arrested,” reads a news release by the agency.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Lucerne Valley Sheriff’s Sub Station at 760-248-7328. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78 CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.