A tip from a concerned family member led Logan County deputies to a large-scale illegal cockfighting operation near Guthrie on Saturday, resulting in nine arrests and the seizure of more than 50 roosters.
According to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, a woman called investigators after becoming upset that her family members were planning to attend a cockfight. Deputies followed up on the tip and arrived at a rural property where, at first glance, nothing appeared unusual.
“You drive by on patrol and think it’s just a nice plot of land with horses and cattle,” Captain John Evans with the sheriff’s office told an Oklahoma City news channel. “I don’t think people doing cockfighting rings have signs outside that say ‘cockfighting ring this way.’”
As investigators made their way down the property’s driveway, a man exited a barn and immediately spotted law enforcement.
“He had that ‘uh-oh’ face,” Evans said. “Half a second later, at least 20 people ran out the side of the barn into the woods.”
Nine individuals, including the property owner Maria Dejesus-Flores, were taken into custody after remaining at the scene. Evans described Dejesus-Flores as showing little emotion during the arrest.
Formal charges have not been filed as of Wednesday morning.
Deputies spent 13 hours processing the scene, ultimately seizing 53 roosters, one hen, 10 chicks, and 46 eggs. Seven of the roosters had to be euthanized on-site due to severe injuries.
A mini trailer found on the property raised particular concern. It was outfitted with a split air-conditioning unit and dozens of rooster cages, with each bird confined to its own space. Inside the trailer, deputies also discovered gaffs—knives that are tied to the legs of roosters for fighting.
“This is a really nice mini trailer that has a split air conditioning unit in it,” said Evans. “Inside were a bunch of gaffs… It’s evidence of a serious, well-funded operation. We’d really like to know who owns this trailer.”
Authorities also recovered performance-enhancing drugs believed to be used to make the birds more aggressive and competitive.
Because of their aggressive nature, the surviving roosters are currently being kept at a deputy’s home in isolation. However, investigators said it’s unlikely the birds will be rehomed.
Deputies also seized 28 vehicles, the trailer, and multiple cockfighting tools as evidence.
Under Oklahoma law, facilitating a cockfight or owning a bird for fighting purposes are felony offenses. Attending a cockfight is considered a misdemeanor.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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