Published on: May 27, 2026, 04:30h.

Updated on: May 27, 2026, 04:30h.

• Nye County deputies executed raids on two locations in Pahrump, Nevada, leading to the dismantling of a significant cockfighting operation.
• Authorities confiscated close to 500 birds, seized $60,000 in cash, and found illegal firearms, resulting in three arrests.
• The suspects are facing multiple felony charges, including animal cruelty and running an illegal cockfighting establishment.

An investigation by the Nye County Sheriff’s Office into an alleged cockfighting ring culminated in three arrests and the seizure of nearly 500 birds during coordinated operations on May 26 in Pahrump, Nevada, a rural area located 72 miles west of Las Vegas. Deputies executed search warrants at two properties following a protracted investigation into what officials characterized as a large-scale breeding and fighting enterprise.

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office reported that investigators recovered 478 birds, 11 firearms, cockfighting paraphernalia, and more than $60,000 in cash. Among the seized items were numerous gaffs—sharp metal objects attached to roosters’ legs to inflict serious injuries during fights.

Three individuals were taken into custody: Jorge Guzman Torres, a permanent resident; Grisel Juarez Diaz, whose immigration status is under review; and Ignacio Juarez Gomez, who is reportedly undocumented. Their ages have not been disclosed by authorities.

Torres is facing the most extensive array of allegations—187 charges—including multiple felony counts for owning fighting birds, animal cruelty charges, operating a cockfighting site, conspiracy, possession of gaffs, and several counts related to false identification.

Diaz faces 123 charges, including many of the same accusations as Torres. Gomez faces 24 charges, encompassing operating a cockfighting venue, possession of gaffs, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Cockfighting, the practice of training birds to attack one another for betting purposes, is considered a felony across the United States. While it was historically permitted in specific U.S. territories—and continues in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands due to local legal circumstances—the federal government eliminated these loopholes with the 2018 Farm Bill, which included the Parity in Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act.

The sheriff’s office stated that the raids were the outcome of a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nye County Animal Control, and various sheriff’s office units, including SWAT and investigation detectives. Officials deemed the operation one of the largest animal cruelty crackdowns in the county’s history.

All of the seized birds have been handed over to animal control authorities as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are anticipated to review the case for possible additional charges in the upcoming weeks.