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State of Play’s TL;DR
- An investigation into an alleged cockfighting operation has resulted in arrests and felony charges related to gambling.
- Warrants were served this week at a farm in North Vernon, IN.
Indiana authorities say a yearlong investigation into an alleged cockfighting operation led to five arrests and a slate of felony charges that include professional gambling, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The case also put the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) at the center of a broader integrity and enforcement action.
Indiana law enforcement agencies served warrants early Tuesday morning at Red Wheel Game Farm in North Vernon, according to the commission. Officials said the operation was tied to alleged animal fighting activity as well as gambling-related offenses.
Indiana raid brings gambling-related felony charges
The IGC said the warrants were connected to multiple felony allegations, including:
- Purchasing animals for fighting
- Conspiracy to commit promoting an animal fighting contest
- Conspiracy to commit professional gambling
- Money laundering
- Tax evasion
Five people were arrested:
- Cruz Jeziel Araujo-Rivera
- Hollie J. Martinez
- Saul Becerril Martinez
- Diego Martinez-Becerri
- Jose F. Sandoval-Martinez
According to the IGC, Araujo-Rivera was charged with corrupt business influence, professional gambling, promoting an animal fighting contest, purchasing an animal for use in an animal fighting contest, money laundering, tax evasion, and conspiracy charges. Martinez was charged with corrupt business influence, money laundering, tax evasion, and conspiracy charges.
Saul Becerril Martinez was charged with purchasing an animal for use in an animal fighting contest. Diego Martinez-Becerri was charged with corrupt business influence, professional gambling, promoting an animal fighting contest, purchasing an animal for use in an animal fighting contest, money laundering, tax evasion, and conspiracy charges.
Sandoval-Martinez was charged with conspiracy to commit promoting an animal fighting contest, and conspiracy to commit purchasing an animal for use in an animal fighting contest.
Investigation involved several agencies
The IGC said the investigation began nearly a year ago. Agencies involved in the operation included Indiana State Police, the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seymour Police Department.
IGC Law Enforcement Superintendent Brock Pilgrim said:
“Today’s search and arrests are the result of careful investigative work into an operation that is not only illegal, but cruel and inhumane. Sadly, these birds will have to be euthanized due to disease.”
Gov. Mike Braun also commented on the arrests.
“Today’s apprehensions will send a message that this activity has no place in Indiana’s borders, and we will act diligently to ensure that our gaming industry remains free from criminal activity.”
Based on reporting by North Vernon Plain Dealer & Sun.
