On Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ approximately 12:00 pm, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office District Three Patrol Division responded to a complaint of Illegal Bird fighting in 16700 Block of FM 1485, New Caney, TX.
Once the Deputy secured the scene, the Pct. 5 Constable’s Office Livestock Officers investigated this location for cruelty to animals and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit for gambling violations.
The SIU obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s premises which was issued by State District Court 359th, Judge K. Hamilton.
Items recovered at the scene included between 20 to 30 dead roosters, approximately 150 live fighting roosters, testosterone and other substances used to enhance the fighting capabilities of the birds, spurs, syringes, and other paraphernalia. A pistol and two shotguns and approximately $4000.00 in U.S. currency were also seized during investigation.
Approximately 55 vehicles were towed from the scene.
Eighteen (18) Class C citations were issued to the participants of the event for gambling.
One (1) suspect was arrested by ICE who also assisted with the investigation.
Arrested at scene and charged with Promotion of Gambling and Gambling Paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor in the State of Texas were:
Oscar Luis Anaya, 12/28/1973
Francisco Javier Olivo, 4/29/1960
Jose Lazaro Ponce, 12/17/1976
Miguel Figuero, 09/6/1948
Luis Arias Benitez, 08/19/1967 (also charged with keeping a Gambling Place Misd A)
The SIU was assisted by the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force and DPS Highway Patrol, Houston SCPA, Pct 5 Constable Livestock officers, and District 3 Patrol.
Contact Lt. P. Cash 936-538-3299 for information on the gambling investigation.
Contact Montgomery County Pct. 5, Constable David Hill’s Livestock Division, for information regarding the Cruelty to Animal investigation.
