US EditionAlbertville Man Among 5 Federally Charged in Cockfighting, Illegal Gambling Operation in Blountsville
BLOUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, JUL 14 – Five individuals face federal charges for running illegal cockfighting events with entry fees up to $1,000 and large-scale gambling in Alabama, officials said.
- Five people, including an Albertville man, were federally indicted on July 15, 2025, for conspiring to run illegal cockfighting derbies and gambling in Blountsville, Alabama.
- The indictment charges allege a conspiracy from March to June 2025 that involved organizing multiple cockfighting events with over 70 teams and illegal betting.
- During raids conducted by a task force including Homeland Security Investigations and other federal agencies, officials uncovered a cockfighting ring, seizing 89 live roosters, two dead roosters, metal gaffs used in fights, 26 vehicles, and a substantial amount of cash.
- According to court documents and indictments, spectators were charged $40 for admission, those entering roosters in the competitions paid fees ranging up to $1,000, and promoter Denny Gonzalez-Guzman earned a commission equal to 10 percent of the total earnings.
- The charges initiated by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hundscheid and Cross signal ongoing federal efforts under Operation Take Back America to target animal cruelty and illegal gambling.
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12 Articles
Feathers And Fury: Alabama Ring Busted For Illegal Cockfighting, Gambling Operation
Federal Indictment Alleges Brutal Animal Fights and High-Stakes Wagers in Blountsville A federal grand jury has delivered a serious blow to an alleged illegal cockfighting and gambling ring operating out of Blountsville, Alabama. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona today announced charges against five individuals accused of conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and running […] Feathers And Fury: Alabama Ring Busted For Illegal Cockfighting, Ga…
July 14, 2025 – HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Agencies. A federal grand jury accused several individuals of plotting to violate the Animal Welfare Act and operate an illegal gambling business, announced federal prosecutor Prim F. Escalona. A two-pronged indictment filed in the U.S. District Court imputes James Shawn Murphree, 48, from Blountsville, Alabama; Denny Gonzalez-Guzmán, 30, from Albertville, Alabama; Kasten Finis Murphree, 22, from Blountsvill…
9 arrested for suspected cockfighting in Athens
ATHENS, Texas (KETK) -- Nine people were arrested in Athens on Sunday for suspected cockfighting after Henderson County authorities found several dead birds, officials said. AFFIDAVIT: Man arrested after punching 10-year-old in face multiple times near Tyler church Photo courtesy of the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Henderson County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) said they responded to a report of suspected cockfighting near County Road 3918 …
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