75 To Be Charged In Cockfighting Investigation

Friday, July 13th 2007, 6:34 am

By: News On 6

VAN BUREN, Ark. (AP) -- A prosecutor says 75 people will be charged after a massive May cockfighting raid in Van Buren. Deputy Prosecutor Scott Houston said the charges include the following, operating a gambling house, criminal use of property or laundering criminal proceeds, misdemeanor cruelty to animals and engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization or enterprise.

Arkansas State Police said the May 19th raid was one of three, two in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma, carried out by federal, state and local officers.

Authorities say the property contained a building with fighting pits and room for spectators. Officials euthanized a large number of fighting cocks that were seized.

State police said 81 people were arrested on felony complaints and another 61 misdemeanor citations were issued.