Six Men Arrested in Rhode Island Cockfighting Operation

Six men face federal charges in Rhode Island for their involvement in an illegal cockfighting operation, according to DOJ.Photo byJacques DilliesonUnsplash

Six men were arrested and appeared in court after being indicted in connection with a cockfighting operation at a residence in Providence, Rhode Island, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today.

The federal grand jury indictment, returned last week in Providence, charges 73-year-old Miguel Delgado with hosting cockfights at his home on March 6, 2022.

Cockfighting is an illegal practice in which roosters are equipped with sharp blades or gaffs attached to their legs and forced to fight, often resulting in severe injury or death. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits such acts of cruelty.

Delgado is also accused of sponsoring roosters in illegal animal fighting operations, transporting sharp instruments commonly used in cockfighting, and unlawfully possessing roosters.

According to the DOJ, two other Rhode Island men, Onill Vasquez Lozada, 39, and Antonio Ledee Rivera, are also facing charges.

The indictment alleges they unlawfully possessed roosters for fighting in April 2021 and sponsored roosters at the March 2022 event at Delgado’s residence.

Rivera faces additional charges related to a previous cockfighting event at the same location.

Additionally, three Massachusetts residents—Germidez Kingsley Jamie, 31; Jose Rivera, 67; and Luis Castillo, 35—are charged with sponsoring roosters at the March 2022 event.

Jamie and Rivera also face additional charges for purchasing and transporting sharp instruments, known as gaffs, used in the fights.

If convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison.

Notably, an indictment is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

To report animal fighting crimes, contact your local law enforcement or the USDA-OIG’s complaint hotline.