Cockfighting Investigation and Arrests
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 1-29-2011, at about 1130 hrs, the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received an anonymous call reference a reported cockfighting event to take place at 3705 Dufau Rd. in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. When deputies responded to the area, they approached an area where approximately 16 male subjects were gathered on the north end of the property and were watching as gamecocks were being sparred in violation of Penal Code Section 597(a) – Animal Cruelty, a felony. Deputies approached on foot and detained the suspects until additional units arrived on scene to conduct further investigation. Through further investigation it was determined that 14 of the suspects contacted at the scene were spectators of the cockfight, in violation of Penal Code Section 597c – Spectator at Cockfight, a misdemeanor. Sheriff’s Detectives authored a Search Warrant to include a search of vehicles and makeshift bird pens. Approximately 1000 gamecocks and an abundance of related cockfighting paraphernalia were found and seized as evidence. Due to the aggressive nature of the gamecocks found at the location, they were humanely euthanized at the scene by Ventura County Animal Services.

Suspects Lim and Manzano were booked on felony animal cruelty charges at the Ventura County Pre-trial Detention Facility in Ventura. The remainder of the suspects were issued citations and released at the scene.

Location: 3705 Dufau Rd., Oxnard
Date & Time: 1-29-2011 @ 1130 hours
Unit Responsible: Sheriff Major Crimes Unit
Report #: 11-2405
(S) Suspects City Age
(S) Romeo Versola Goleta 48
(S) Salvador Mandgon Oxnard 55
(S) Edwin Bayacal North Field 36
(S) Menardo Tuason Santa Barbara 57
(S) Joe Cabado Chino 44
(S) Arnel Quiambao Oxnard 47
(S) Jaime Esparito Oxnard 48
(S) Manuel Delarosa Newbury Park 71
(S) Efren Ines Oxnard 66
(S) Joe Pasion Oxnard 53
(S) Benito Ines Oxnard 50
(S) Amante Viado Oxnard 65
(S) Cassidhee Santos Oxnard 36
(S) Michael Lim Panorama City 43
(S) Rommel Mendoza Port Hueneme 39
(S) Luis Manzano Oxnard 29

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Ray Dominguez
Follow-up Contact: Detective Ray Dominguez (805) 477-7029
Date of Release: 1-30-2011
Approved by: Capt. Barrios