Seven arrested in cockfighting bust (News-Record)

Seven arrested in cockfighting bust
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2010 (Updated 8:19 am)
By HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE

(MCT) — Seven people, including two from High Point, face charges after authorities in Randolph County busted an alleged cockfighting operation over the weekend.

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Asheboro Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, the Randolph County Health Department and the Humane Society of the United States executed a search warrant Saturday at 7405 U.S. 64 West after receiving information about illegal cockfighting at that location.

When officers arrived, people started fleeing the scene. Some suspects were detained at the site, but two managed to get away. Officers arrested seven people at the scene and seized three firearms, one of which had been reported stolen, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

A large amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia was also located at the scene.

Humane Society representatives assisted Randolph County Animal Control with the documentation and transportation of roosters found at the scene. Deputies said 24 gaming roosters were seized, 21 of which were alive and three dead due to injuries sustained as a result of cockfighting.

In addition, Health Department workers seized 400 chickens which were found to be living in "deplorable conditions," according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies said all of the suspects were charged with cockfighting and cruelty to animals, both of which are felonies, and were booked into the Randolph County Jail under bonds ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. Some are also suspected illegal aliens and face deportation proceedings.

The suspects are:

• David Worth Gallimore, 49, 7405 U.S. 64 West, Asheboro, also charged with Felony Possession of Marijuana, possession with intent to sell or distribute marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Humberto Castro Mondragon, 50, 665 Painter Road, Asheboro, who also was given a detainer for deportation.

• Efrain Escobar Velasquez, 60, no permanent address, also was given a detainer for deportation.

• Cesar Augusto Cruz-Gonzalez, 35, 828 Burney Ave., Winston-Salem, also charged with carrying a concealed weapon and given a detainer for deportation.

• Gumesindo Vasquez Ferrer, 27, 10411 S. Main St., High Point, also was given a detainer for deportation.

• Isidro Valazquez Ferrer, 21, 1618 Kivett Drive, High Point, also was given a detainer for deportation.

• Alejandro Garcia Mariano, 27, 828 Burney Ave., Winston-Salem, also charged with possession of a stolen firearm and carrying a concealed weapon and was given a detainer for deportation.