Jacksonville, Florida, January 28, 2026
Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, arrested eleven men following a raid on a suspected rooster-fighting operation. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a neighbor’s complaint and discovered a group involved in animal cruelty and commercial gambling. Four of those arrested were found to be in the country illegally, and nearly $14,000 in cash was seized during the operation. The authorities expect further arrests as the investigation continues.
Jacksonville, Florida
Eleven Men Arrested in Rooster-Fighting Ring Bust
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) authorities arrested eleven men on Saturday after raiding a Northside residence and dismantling an alleged rooster-fighting operation.
Details of the Arrests
JSO initiated the investigation following a neighbor’s complaint about suspected rooster fighting at a home on Jake Road, near Yellow Bluff Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered several individuals gathered around a fighting pen in the backyard. Some were holding cash and consuming alcohol, while a referee monitored the fight. As officers attempted to apprehend them, the suspects fled. Seven were detained immediately, and four additional individuals were located during a subsequent search. Three were found hiding in the rafters of a shed, and another was concealed under a camper bed. The arrested individuals are:
- Alejandro Gutierrez Garcia, 35
- Ariel Villavicencio Ruiz, 49
- Omar Bonet Suarez, 51
- Raydel Hernandez Lorenzo, 46
- Ariel Rivero Santana, 53
- Pablo Marrero Pena, 37
- Sergio Pupo Cespedes, 36
- Osvaldo Acosta, 61
- Hector Perez Gonzalez, 34
- Angel Sabater Mora, 42
- Damian Garcia Olivera, 50
JSO reported that four of the arrested individuals were found to be in the United States illegally. The charges against the suspects include animal cruelty and commercial gambling. Additionally, nearly $14,000 in cash was seized during the operation. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated.
Background on Rooster Fighting
Rooster fighting, also known as cockfighting, is a practice where roosters are bred and trained to fight each other, often resulting in severe injury or death. This activity is illegal in all 50 states due to its association with animal cruelty and other illicit activities, including illegal gambling and drug trafficking. Despite its illegality, cockfighting operations continue to be uncovered across the nation, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of large sums of money and firearms. For instance, in June 2025, authorities in Blount County, Alabama, arrested 60 individuals in connection with a cockfighting ring, seizing over $100,000 in cash and firearms. Similarly, in December 2025, eight people were arrested in Collin County, Texas, during a cockfighting bust where 55 live fighting roosters were seized. These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal animal fighting and related criminal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges were the eleven men arrested for in Jacksonville?
The eleven men were arrested on charges of animal cruelty and commercial gambling. Additionally, nearly $14,000 in cash was seized during the operation. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated.
What is rooster fighting, and why is it illegal?
Rooster fighting, also known as cockfighting, is a practice where roosters are bred and trained to fight each other, often resulting in severe injury or death. This activity is illegal in all 50 states due to its association with animal cruelty and other illicit activities, including illegal gambling and drug trafficking.
Have there been similar incidents in other parts of the country?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred nationwide. For example, in June 2025, authorities in Blount County, Alabama, arrested 60 individuals in connection with a cockfighting ring, seizing over $100,000 in cash and firearms. In December 2025, eight people were arrested in Collin County, Texas, during a cockfighting bust where 55 live fighting roosters were seized. These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal animal fighting and related criminal activities.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northside residence on Jake Road, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Number of Arrests | Eleven men |
| Charges | Animal cruelty, commercial gambling |
| Seized Items | Nearly $14,000 in cash |
| Illegal Immigrants | Four of the arrested individuals were found to be in the United States illegally |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, with further arrests anticipated |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
