Illegal cockfighting operation uncovered
Posted/updated on: April 23, 2026 at 4:00 pm
RUSK COUNTY — Four people were arrested on Saturday after deputies uncovered a suspected cockfighting operation in Rusk County, where dozens of roosters were found dead. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said they received information about cockfighting taking place at a property off FM 839 in the Reklaw area. The sheriff’s office patrol and criminal investigation unit, alongside other East Texas sheriff’s offices, arrived at the property and saw the illegal activity. During the investigation, they found 56 dead roosters and 11 that were alive and seized.
According to our news partner KETK, the four people that have been arrested are charged with the following: Crystal Velazquez, 21 years: Cockfighting, evading arrest or detention, Gerardo Rangel, 47: Cockfighting, evading arrest or detention. He is also in custody on an ICE detainer, Christopher Juarez, 19: Cockfighting, evading arrest or detention, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility, Francisco Guerrero, 57: Cockfighting, evading arrest or detention, resisting arrest.
The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said this is an ongoing investigation with further charges expected.
