RUSK COUNTY, Texas — Four people were arrested and dozens of roosters were found dead after authorities uncovered an alleged cockfighting operation in the Reklaw area, according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies received information during the early afternoon of April 18, 2026, about suspected cockfighting activity on property off FM 839.
Rusk County patrol deputies and criminal investigators, assisted by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety, responded to the property and reported finding evidence of illegal activity.
Authorities secured the property and arrested four individuals during the initial contact.
Investigators said 56 deceased roosters were found on the property, while 11 live roosters were seized, along with equipment allegedly used to facilitate cockfighting.
Those arrested were identified as:
- Crystal Velazquez, 21, charged with cockfighting and evading arrest or detention.
- Gerardo Rangel, 47, charged with cockfighting and evading arrest or detention. Authorities said he is also being held on an ICE detainer.
- Christopher Juarez, 19, charged with cockfighting, evading arrest or detention, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility.
- Francisco Guerrero, 57, charged with cockfighting, evading arrest or detention, and resisting arrest.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.
