Two Dozen Arrested in Cockfighting Ring at Tewksbury Home

Photos Courtesy Tewksbury Police

TEWKSBURY, MA - Two dozen people were arrested Friday night in connection with an alleged cockfighting ring at a Tewksbury home.

On Friday, March 11, Tewksbury Police arrested 24 people in connection with an illegal animal fighting ring. Twenty-two of these individuals were were all arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, and being present at an animal fight.

Two other individuals, Frank Castro, 41, of 20 Msgr Lydon Way, Dorchester MA, and Janet Montanes, 40, of 969 Chandler St., Tewksbury were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, being present at an animal fight, and keeping or promoting an animal fight.

Tewksbury Police say they acted on a tip that several individuals were gambling on “cock fights” at the residence of 969 Chandler St. When police arrived they found the residence used a look out, motion sensor lights, and video surveillance equipment on the outside of the home. When they entered the home, officers found 22 people participating in a “cock fight” that appeared to have been ran by Frank Castro, and his girlfriend Janet Montanez. According to police, in these “cock fights,” the “game cocks” appeared to have “spurs” attached to them to inflict more damage to each other during the “cock fight.” Several packages of spurs, four kits with tape, and more than $13,000 were recovered.

Animal Control, Environmental Police and a state humane officer from the Animal Rescue League of Boston also responded to the scene where they recovered 18 “game cocks” of unknown origin. Five of them appeared to be severely injured police say.

The 22 arrested all charged with cruelty to animals, and being present at an animal fight:

• Cynthia Gonzalez, 41, of 245 Andover St., Lawrence, MA.
• Armando Maciel, 55, of 81 Front Street, Merrimack, NH.
• Vicente Sanchez, 31, of 121 High St., Lawrence, MA.
• Naury Rojas, 28, of 101 Willow Street, Lawrence, MA.
• Itari Ribeiro Junior, 40, of 131 Afra Drive, Boylston, MA.
• Luis Castillo, 27, of 100 Saratoga Street, Lawrence, MA.
• Ismeal Ortiz, 30, of 113 Margin St., #3, Lawrence, MA.
• Felix Maldonado, 40, of 138 Pelham Road, Salem, NH.
• Angel Chinea, 32, of 119 Stevens St., Lowell, MA.
• Carlos Castillo, 30, of 51 Bromfield St., Lawrence, MA.
• Angel Renta, 25, of 85 Egmont St., Brookline,MA.
• Joan Mireles, 36, of 189 Aiken Ave., Lowell, MA.
• Rafael Cardoso, 25, of 93 Catherine St., Dracut, MA.
• Yan Ramirez, 25, of 38 Yale St., Lawrence, MA.
• Victor Rolon-Hernandez, 26, of 94 Daniel St., Fitchburg, MA.
• Jorge Martinez, 43, of 94 Daniel St., Fitchburg MA.
• Juan Estevez, 47, of 245 Andover St. #2, Lawrence, MA.
• Victor De Los Santos, 50, of 57 Brookfield St., Lawrence, MA.
• Richard Ramirez, 24, of 90 Lexington St., Lawrence, MA.
• Deyvi Martinez, 36, of 245 Andover St., #2, Lawrence, MA.
• Carlos De La Cruz, 30, of 102 Saratoga St., Lawrence. MA
• Daury Medina, 30, of 111 Boston Street, Methuen, MA

All of the suspects are due to be arraigned at Lowell District Court on Monday, March 14.