COLLIN COUNTY, TX - Deputies with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office uncovered a large cockfighting operation on Friday, November 28, 2025, after responding to a report of animal cruelty at a rural property on County Road 697 near Farmersville.
When deputies arrived, roughly 20 people ran from the scene. Several were detained immediately, and others were tracked down in the surrounding area with help from the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office drone unit.
Inside the property, investigators found what they described as clear evidence of an active cockfighting setup. After securing a search warrant, deputies seized 55 live fighting roosters, two deceased roosters, cash, and various items used in cockfighting. Collin County Animal Control took custody of the birds, which are now being housed and cared for.
Eight people were arrested on charges ranging from felony cockfighting offenses to evading arrest. Several additional individuals were cited for spectating. Three of the suspects were later found to be in the country unlawfully, and ICE placed detainers on them.
Those arrested include:
- Maria Eduwiges Noguez Martinez and Diego Armando Alanis, each charged with Cockfighting: Causes or Earns (State Jail Felony). Martinez’s bond is $20,000; Alanis’s is $30,000.
- Leonardo Rodriguez Bautista and Cesar Antonio Gutierrez Pena, each charged with Cockfighting: Space/Owns/Trains/Equips and Evading Arrest or Detention (both Class A Misdemeanors). Bonds were set at $20,000 and $10,000.
- Jose Luis Martinez Alvarez, Aldo Jesus Osornia Victorino, Emilio Pereyra Govea, and Zacorios Octavio Castilleja, each charged with Evading Arrest or Detention (Class A Misdemeanor) and issued citations for Cockfighting Spectating (Class C Misdemeanor). Bond for each was set at $10,000.
The sheriff’s office said it remains focused on enforcing animal cruelty laws and shutting down illegal animal fighting operations. The case is still active, and more charges could be filed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Kyle Heichlinger at 972-547-5100 or kheichlinger@collincountytx.gov.
