Chicken fighting ring busted in northeast Alabama

The following is a press release from the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office:

Sheriff Jimmy Harris states as follows:
On Saturday July 11 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Chief Deputy Mike Edmondson got a tip regarding a possible chicken fighting ring operating on County Road 386 in the Aroney area.  Sheriff Harris and Chief Edmondson went in to check things out before coming back with several deputies and the Crossville Police Department.  When the officers made entry, there were approximately 25-30 subjects on the scene.  Several of the subjects ran.  There was a fighting pit set up with several benches placed around it.  The officers found approximately $1,000 of what is believed to be gambling money.  Since none of the subjects present claimed the money, it was confiscated.  There was an assortment of chicken-fighting paraphernalia at the scene, and 10-15 live chickens.  There were also several dead chickens lying around the fighting pit. 

The officers ran identifications on all individuals present, as well as the tags on the vehicles at the scene.  When no outstanding criminal charges were found on anyone, all those present were allowed to leave.  Two vehicles were also seized.  They are believed to belong to the individuals who ran when the officers first arrived. 

The matter is under continued investigation.  It is unknown at this time who is responsible for the fighting ring.  No criminal charges have been filed at this time, however, we are in contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials regarding the identifications of the individuals present.  If we can determine with the D.A.’s office that any charges can be filed against the spectators, and if those spectators are determined to be illegal aliens, procedures will be followed to have those individuals deported.