STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — An illegal cockfighting ring has been busted wide open in Stafford County. On Nov. 7, detectives and Animal Control officers executed a search warrant at a home on Norman Road, originally expecting to find stolen property. But the investigation took a sudden turn when officers discovered a surprise trove of chickens — 80, to be exact — all believed to be part of an organized cockfighting operation.
The search warrant began as a straightforward investigation into stolen property, but the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office's Special Problems Unit had already received a tip-off suggesting that the same residence might be hosting cockfighting events. What they found was more than a few chickens. In addition to the flock, officers discovered cockfighting paraphernalia, controlled substances, and even weapons related to animal fighting.
As detectives surveyed the area, officers realized that a second search warrant was necessary. By the time they were done, officers had collected all 80 chickens to present as evidence in a seizure hearing on Wednesday. The suspect behind the illegal operation, Sergio Munoz, 47, of Stafford, was apprehended shortly after the hearing by Sergeant A.J. McCall. Munoz was slapped with five felony counts of animal fighting and is now being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secured bond.
It’s worth noting that Munoz wasn’t the target of the initial investigation.
With all 80 chickens now safely in the care of the Stafford County Animal Shelter, they’re scheduled for full veterinary check-ups to assess their health after enduring conditions intended for brutal fights. The shelter, meanwhile, is actively working on long-term housing solutions for the flock, ensuring these birds can live out their days without ever being forced to fight again.
As the investigation continues, authorities say Munoz could be facing even more charges in the coming weeks.
