Cockfighting Investigation Leads To 7 Arrests

Seven men from around the Inland Empire have been collared in an investigation into cockfighting that began Sunday morning.

The arrests follow an anonymous report of animal cruelty in the 1000 block of Sixth Street in Norco. Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station/Norco Office responded to the residence shortly before 10 a.m. Nov. 24. Once on scene, seven men were detained and deputies allegedly found more than 100 live roosters and eight dead ones on the property.

“The deceased roosters had injuries consistent with cockfighting,” according to a report from sheriff’s Lt. Daniel Hedge.

Norco Animal Control assisted with the investigation that saw the arrests of the following suspects:

• Manuel Sanchez, 44-year-old resident of Norco arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals (felony). Booked into Robert Presley Detention Center.
• Jacob Tapia, 32-year-old resident of Ontario arrested on suspicion of cockfighting (cited and released).
• Jovani Salvatierra, 18-year-old resident of Victorville arrested on suspicion of cockfighting (cited and released).
• Noel Ramirez, 25-year-old resident of Perris arrested on suspicion of cockfighting (cited and released).
• Arturo Leopoldo, 55-year-old resident of La Puente arrested on suspicion of cockfighting (cited and released).
• Angel Ramirez, 57-year-old resident of Perris arrested on suspicion of cockfighting (cited and released).
• Jose Quezada, 66-year-old resident of Riverside arrested on suspicion of cockfighting (cited and released).

According to Hedge’s report, “The investigation is ongoing and we’re asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Deputy Cynthia Lewis at the Jurupa Valley Station/Norco Office at 951-955-2600.”