Man suspected of running a cockfighting ring is sentenced for drug, gun crimes

BRIDGETON - A South Jersey man will pay a price in time and money for crimes uncovered during an investigation into an alleged cockfighting ring.

Jimmy Hadden, 50, of Greenwich, has received a 10-year prison term for drug and weapons offenses, and has agreed to forfeit $180,000 in seized cash and an SUV, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

Hadden was sentenced Aug. 12 after admitting guilt to drug possession with intent to distribute and a gun crime.

The Cumberland County man was charged in May 2021 after an undercover investigation into alleged cockfights at the homes of Hadden and his father, Jaime Ferrer, in this largely rural township.

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A probable cause statement for charges against the men alleged "hundreds of attendees would illegally gamble thousands of dollars" during the fights.

It also claimed Hadden distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine during the fights, including one sale to an undercover investigator.

Authorities seized more than a pound of meth from Hadden, according to the prosecutor's office,

Investigators also confiscated four handguns and 24 rifles and/or shotguns during raids at three properties.

Hadden admitted guilt in May to drug possession with the intent to distribute and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

He initially faced additional charges in connection with gambling and animal fighting.

Hadden was sentenced on Aug. 12 in Bridgeton Superior Court.

His father died in December 2023 at age 74, before the allegations against him could be resolved.

Hadden's sentencing was the second recent court development involving cockfighting in South Jersey.

An Atlantic County man on Aug. 6 admitted guilt to organizing and maintaining a cockfighting ring.

Jose Madera, 33, of Egg Harbor City was among 51 people arrested during a March 9 raid in Galloway, where investigators seized $37,000 and dozens of roosters, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Madera is to be sentenced Oct. 29.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Man suspected of running a cockfighting ring is sentenced for drug, gun crimes