24 arrested in connection with Tewskbury cockfighting ring

TEWKSBURY, Mass. — Tewksbury Police arrested 24 people in connection with an illegal cockfighting ring.

PHOTOS: Mugshots of 24 arrested for alleged cockfighting ring

Tewksbury Police received a tip that several people were gambling on cock fights at a home on 969 Chandler St.

When police arrived, they found the house had a look out, motion sensor lights and video surveillance. When they went inside the home, police said they found 22 people participating in a "cock fight." Police believe Frank Castro, and his girlfriend Janet Montanes, were organizing the fights.

In these cock fights, police said the game cocks appeared to have spurs attached to them. Several packages of spurs, four kits with tape and more than $13,000.00 were recovered, said police.

The following were arrested and charged with 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 Street #3, Lawrence MA

Felix Maldonado, 40, of 138 Pelham Rd, Salem NH

Angel Chinea, 32, of 119 Stevens Street, Lowell MA

Carlos Castillo, 30, of 51 Bromfield Street, Lawrence MA

Angel Renta, 25, of 85 Egmont Street, Brookline MA

Joan Mireles, 36, of 189 Aiken Ave, Lowell MA

Rafael Cardoso, 25, of 93 Catherine Street, Dracut MA

Yan Ramirez, 25, of 38 Yale Street, Lawrence MA

Victor Rolon-Hernandez, 26, of 94 Daniel Street, Fitchburg MA

Jorge Martinez, 43, of 94 Daniel Street, Fitchburg MA

Juan Estevez, 47, of 245 Andover Street #2, Lawrence MA

Victor De Los Santos, 50, of 57 Brookfield Street, Lawrence MA

Richard Ramirez, 24, of 90 Lexington Street, Lawrence MA

Deyvi Martinez, 36, of 245 Andover Street #2, Lawrence MA

Carlos De La Cruz, 30, of 102 Saratoga Street, Lawrence MA

Daury Medina, 30, of 111 Boston Street, Methuen MA

Castro, 41, of Dorchester and Montanes, 40, of Tewksbury were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, being present at an animal fight, and keeping or promoting an animal fight.

Animal Control, Environmental Police and a State Humane Officer responded and rescued 18 "game cocks", five of which were severely injured.

All suspects are due to be arraigned at Lowell District Court on March 14.

Cox Media Group