Monday, February 11, 2013

Sheriff Dept Press release re: Three Men Arrested and Ten Cited During Bust of Cockfighting Ring



(Burson, CA) On 02/08/13 at approx. 8:30 pm Calaveras Sheriff’s Deputies received a report of a possible cock fight at a residence located on the 14000 block of Hunter Road in Burson. Upon arrival at the property the deputies saw a man holding a flashlight standing outside of a large shop building on the property. As the deputies walked towards the shop they saw 35-45 people run towards the rear exit of the building. The deputies gave chase, caught and detained numerous people.


During the ensuing investigation the sheriff’s deputies and officers from Calaveras County Animal Services located cock fighting paraphernalia inside the shop, including fighting cages, gaffs, gaff holders, scissors, weights, stop watches, receipts books, clubs, and a bag containing 4.5 grams of marijuana. They also located three black garbage bags that held 18 deceased birds from prior fights. Thirty-nine live birds were confiscated and turned over to Animal Services as evidence. The shop also contained a snack bar area where food and alcohol was being sold.

In total, 10 suspects were given citations for animal cruelty. Two suspects, Randolph Lee Lumactod (25) of Burson, Luis Padilla, Jr. (53) of Burson, were arrested for Animal Cruelty and Cock Fighting (felonies). A Third man, David Socrates Valdez (29) of North Highlands was arrested for public intoxication, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (all misdemeanors).