ATHENS, TX – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office cracked down on a large-scale cockfighting operation Sunday, July 13, arresting nine individuals and seizing dozens of roosters, vehicles, and a significant amount of cash.
At approximately 12:15 PM, deputies responded to a report of suspected cockfighting at a rural residence in the 7500 block of County Road 3918. Upon arrival, Narcotics Investigators Jonathan Barrios and Jude Bonner, along with deputies, encountered a crowd of nearly 200 people. Many fled the scene as law enforcement approached.
Investigators found evidence of active cockfighting, including deceased roosters and numerous live birds. Henderson County Crime Scene Investigators Dawson McGee and Brigan Johnson, along with Animal Control Deputy Glen Loper, were called in to assist.
A search warrant, issued by 392nd Judicial District Judge Scott McKee, allowed investigators to uncover a fighting arena and confiscate sharp metal gaffs, which are commonly used in illegal cockfighting matches.
In total, 89 live roosters and two deceased birds were seized from the property, along with 26 vehicles and a large sum of U.S. currency.
The nine subjects arrested and booked into the Henderson County Jail for Cockfighting are:
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Jesus David Garza
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Carlos Estrada-Guerrero
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Christy Nikol Bass
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Victor Hernandez Flores
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Juan Carlos Flores
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Thomas Urbano Flores
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Shannon Dean Kellis
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Otis Darren Thomas
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Allan Joseph Jernigan
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office affirmed its commitment to aggressively pursuing and prosecuting those involved in animal cruelty and organized illegal activities.
