Cockfighting ring busted, drugs seized - Huntsville, AL

Sunday, Jun 18, 2006

County: Madison

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Gerado Gutierrez
» Alejandro Gutierrez
» Jorge Benjume
» Johnnie Soloman

An undercover drug deal at an illegal cockfight in rural Etowah County led to dozens of arrests for drug trafficking, promoting gambling and cockfighting. The raid occurred on June 18, 2006.

Gerardo Gutierrez, 33, Alejandro Gutierrez, 20, and Jorge Benjume, 21, all of Valley Head, were charged with trafficking in methamphetamine. Sheriff's deputies said a $100,000 cash bond was set for each.

Property owner, 56-year-old Johnnie Solomon, was charged with promoting gambling and cockfighting. Four others where charged with promoting gambling.

Rob Savage, commander of the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, said the drug deal was set up at Hilltop Recreation Club and the cockfighting arena was set up in a barn in woods behind a house. Savage said more than $90,000 in cash, believed to be gambling and narcotics proceeds, were seized along with an ounce of meth and three cars. He said several people at the cockfighting arena were determined to be in the country illegally, including the three who were arrested.

References

• NBC13 News - June 20, 2006

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