Agustin Medieta-
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HOLLISTER, Calif.- We're just learning about a big cockfighting bust in San Benito County, as deputies still need help finding the organizers. Last Friday night, several agencies seized 66 roosters from a large cockfight off Frazier Lake Road in Hollister. They said four were dead and seven were injured so bad, they were euthanized.
Only one person was arrested six others were ticketed for watching the fight. Officials said the rural setting and secret nature of the fights make it hard to successfully pull off a bust.
"They didn't put themselves in there. These people are putting them in an arena and they're going to die and the idea that there's some kind of sport associated with it is ridiculous," said Hollister PD Captain Carlos Reynoso.
35-year-old Agustin Suarez Medieta from San Martin was arrested about 2 miles away, holding a fighting rooster that he claimed had followed him. Medieta is charged with possession of a fighting rooster and being a spectator.
68-year-old Bernardino Hernandez from Salinas, Jose Rodriguez Perez (87) from Salinas, Pedro Leon Hernandez (45) from Gilroy, Gustavo Garcia Perez (44) from Menlo Park, Roberto Herbert Jimenez-Santiago (19) from Morgan Hill, and Erik Daniel Melero Villarreal (28) from Menlo Park were all cited and released for the misdemeanor crime of being a spectator at an animal fight.
Anyone with information involving this incident or any animal fighting is urged to call the Hollister Animal Care and Services Bureau at (831) 636-4320.
The Humane Society of the United States has a reward of up to $5,000 for information on animal fighting that leads to a conviction. To remain anonymous, call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may result in an award of up to $1,000.
