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Hillsborough Deputies Bust Cockfighting Ring

Cockfighting | Hillsborough Sheriff | Arrests

Deputies said they seized about 60 roosters and four dogs.

TAMPA – Deputies have arrested four people in connection with a cockfighting ring, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Irma Arcaya, 54, of Tampa, was charged with one count each of Owning Equipment for Animal Fighting and Possession of Animal for Fighting.

Rogel Martinez Perez, 76, of Tampa, was charged with one count each of Owning Equipment for Animal Fighting and Possession of Animal for Fighting.

Pedro Rodriguez, 54, of Tampa, was charged with one count each of Owning Equipment for Animal Fighting and Possession of Animal for Fighting.

Lazo Fernandez, 71, of Tampa, was charged with one count each of Owning Equipment for Animal Fighting and Possession of Animal for Fighting.

Deputies also obtained a warrant for Raul Gonzalez Torres, 38. Torres was charged with one count each of  Owning Equipment for Animal Fighting, Possession of Animal for Fighting, Owning Property for Animal Fighting, Facilitating Animal Fighting, and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

Deputies and officials from the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center seized about 60 roosters and four dogs.

They also found a stolen firearm from a 2015 Pasco County case and a small amount of marijuana.

The investigation is ongoing.

Photo shows, from left, Irma Arcaya, Pedro Rodriguez, Rogel Martinez Perez, and Lazo Fernandez.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Cockfighting | Arrests | Tampabay News

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