33-Year-Old Egg Harbor City Man Admits Guilt For Running A Large-Scale Cockfighting Organization
Friday, August 9, 2024, 11:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
MAYS LANDING, NJ.- On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Jose Madera, 33, of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, appeared in Atlantic County Superior Court and entered a guilty plea to Organizing and Maintaining a Cockfighting Ring on his Galloway Township, New Jersey property.
Madera also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of Animal Cruelty for the Maiming and Mutilation of Roosters; Animal Cruelty for Using Another Living Animal; and Animal Cruelty by Failing to Provide Necessary Care for One of Four Dogs. Additionally, Madera entered guilty pleas to Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute; and Resisting Arrest by Flight.
According to Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, in return for the guilty plea, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend that Madera receive a five-year term of probation. As a condition of the probation, Madera must serve 364 days in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
The Prosecutor’s Office will also require Madera to permanently surrender all of the relocated animals that were seized by law enforcement. 30 days of community service to be performed at an animal shelter, forfeit all U.S. currency seized at the time of Madera’s arrest. Madera will also be barred from owning or living in any residence with animals.
The guilty pleas stem from an investigation that began on Saturday, March 9, 2024, when members of the Galloway Township Police Department’s HLEO (Humane Law Enforcement Officer) Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant on Madera’s residence located on the 300 Block of S. Bremen Avenue in the township, as a part of an ongoing investigation into a cockfighting organization.
Upon entering the property, Police Officers encountered a large group of people, many of whom attempted to flee. Police Officers detained multiple people as authorities conducted a search of the property.
During the search, law enforcement uncovered a large cockfighting operation that included a constructed cockfighting ring, spectator-style seating, and numerous cockfighting “kits” around 50 roosters, all showing some type of minor to major injuries.
As a result of the search warrant execution, Police Officers arrested 51 people and seized over $37,000 in cash. All of the roosters and four dogs were seized and were turned over to animal control.
Madera was arrested after he fled into a nearby wooded area on an adjacent property.
Madera has been scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2024, in Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing, New Jersey.
