Florida

Cockfighting Ring Busted After Attendee Orders Pizza

An illegal cockfighting ring was brought down in central Florida by a delivery driver after an attendee ordered a pizza.

According to Polk County deputies, a pizza delivery driver who had taken an order to the home Friday night reported the operation to local authorities.

Deputies went to the Winter Haven home Monday and reported finding 123 roosters and chickens, a fighting ring, "boxing gloves" for practice and ceramic spurs for the actual fights. Investigators say nine of the roosters found on the property were bred at the location and appeared ready to fight.

Eliut Juse Serrano Hernandez, who lives at the home, faces multiple charges, including nine counts of possession of animals for the purpose of fighting. Deputies say the 38-year-old admitted to owning the roosters and to holding fights there once or twice.

Two others at the home were arrested on unrelated drug charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us