Cockfighting
Jefferson, OR (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Mar 15, 2008
County: Linn

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Alberto Macias
» Margarito Villa-Velazquez
» Daniel Puentes-Nunez

Three people from Albany, Crabtree and Jefferson have been arrested in connection with what federal officials are calling one of the largest crackdowns on cockfighting in Northwest history.

More than 50 arrests were made over the weekend in Oregon and Washington, said Stephen F. Peifer, assistant U.S. attorney for the Department of Justice in Portland.

Peifer identified those arrested in the area as: Alberto Macias, 46, of Albany; Margarito Villa-Velazquez, 33, of Jefferson; and Daniel Puentes-Nunez, 34, of Crabtree.

Macias was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and the distribution of the drug. Peifer said cockfighting, which pits roosters in fights to the death, typically involves gambling and drug deals.

Villa-Velazquez is charged with conspiracy, gambling and violations of the animal welfare act. Puentes-Nunez is charged with conspiracy and violations of the animal welfare act.

Villa-Velazquez' home and property at 16957 Emerald Green Lane S.E. in Jefferson is targeted for forfeiture because of its alleged use in cockfighting.

A federal grand jury issued 17 separate indictments that listed 63 people in documents unsealed Monday. The Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Agriculture led a two-year investigation into allegations of cockfighting while the Drug Enforcement Administration looked into drug dealing.

Those indicted face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines on charges relating to cockfighting. The drug charges carry prison terms ranging from mandatory minimums of 5 to 10 years to a maximum life sentence with fines ranging from $2 million to $4 million.

Federal law prohibits cockfighting, making it a felony under the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act that went into effect last May.

Peifer, Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian Brown are prosecuting the case.

References

• Albany Democrat Herald - March 21, 2008

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