Man charged with operating a cockfighting operation

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office identified 61-year-old John Matthew Chappelear of Brawley as the man was arrested on Tuesday, charged with animal cruelty.

ICSO Lt. Jimmy Duran said, ” As a result of an ongoing investigation into a cockfighting ring, sheriff investigators were able to serve a search warrant yesterday morning. This happened in a property which is located in an unincorporated area of Westmorland. ”

Authorities confiscated several items of evidence including animals, roosters, blades and sharpening tools which they said were allegedly used for cockfighting.

Investigators spread out to several locations which might be connected to the alleged cockfighting ring.

“It’s not limited to one location because most cases will lead us to different places where other evidence can be found,” Duran said.

Under California Penal Code 597, it’s illegal to intentionally torture, maim or kill an animal, punishable with up to three years in county jail and/or fined $20,000.

“It is a felony in the state of California to own or possess birds to be used in a fighting exhibition,” Duran said.

Chappelear was booked and released on a $100,000 bail bond. No court date available at this time. County Sheriff encourages the use of their website www.youandblue.org for reporting crime.

“If you have witnessed any type of activity which is illegal, in this case animal exhibitions, fighting exhibitions, please contact the Sheriff’s Office, and we will make sure that somebody tends to your complaint,” Duran said.

The investigation is ongoing.