An investigation into a cockfighting ring has unearthed a criminal enterprise in southeastern Pierce County, complete with cockfighting, illegal gambling, a marijuana grow operation and meth lab.
Stolen cars and automatic weapons also were seized on the property.
Deputies and officers busted the operation, in the 32400 block of Meridian Avenue East in Graham, earlier on Friday, said Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.
The joint investigation was carried out by Seattle police and the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, Troyer said.
Investigators from two other agencies, the Washington State Gambling Commission and Pierce County Animal Control, also are combing over the property where the cockfighting ring operated, Troyer said.
Video from KOMO News' Air 4 showed investigators, including one in protective clothing, combing over the property.
Rows of fenced-in chicken coops could be seen against a backdrop of old cars and boats, tarp-covered RVs, rusty barrels and an above-ground swimming pool full of scummy water.
Chickens wandered aimlessly about the grounds, pecking at the dirt.
One suspect has been arrested and others are being sought, Troyer said.
Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.
For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.
