Polk County SO busts illegal cockfighting ring

By Emily Banks Wooten
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The investigation continues into an illegal cockfighting ring that was discovered in Leggett after the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report in reference to the possible location at approximately 1:56 p.m. Sunday.

“Deputies and detectives arrived to find numerous people and vehicles on scene, with several subjects fleeing on foot into the woods. Detectives located and observed the area where the illegal bird fighting was taking place, as well as evidence commonly used when fighting roosters. A search warrant was then obtained for the property,” Captain Dave Sottosanti said.

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Upon further investigation, detectives seized 31 roosters. Of the 31 seized, two were found dead, along with another three roosters found buried in the ground that appeared to be from prior fights, Sottosanti said.

Twelve subjects were arrested and 14 vehicles were towed from the property. All subjects were charged with cockfighting and additional charges are possible.

The subjects are: Clem Cavasos, 36 of The Woodlands; Jennifer Loftin Growth, 45 of Mont Belvieu; Marcelo Martinez-Cruz, 45 of Crockett; Elmer Morales Jr., 29 of Shepherd; Shane Allen Nelson, 49 of Livingston; Enli Ponce, 54 of Conroe; Rafael Ramos-Egardeo, 49 of Conroe; Guadalupe G. Castrejon, 42 of Conroe; Noel Santiago Cuevas Jr., 37 of Livingston; Noel Cuevas Sr., 57 of Livingston; Candido Cantu Garcia, 42 of Montgomery; and Clayton Alexander Lowe, 38 of Livingston.