Five Kentucky men are facing federal charges after an investigation uncovered several farms in and near Bowling Green being used to breed and train roosters for illegal animal fighting.
A federal grand jury returned four separate indictments charging the men.
According to court records, 53 year-old Christopher Copas and 57 year-old James Holland, both of Bowling Green, alongside 60 year-old Don Ray “Donnie” Haley of Elkton, were each charged with possessing roosters for the purpose of having them participate in an animal fighting venture.
Federal authorities also charged 65 year-old Ramon Escamilla, who splits time between Bowling Green and Mexico, and his son 36 year-old Eric Escamilla, of Bowling Green, with conspiracy to commit the same offense.
Federal prosecutors allege that the defendants ran the breeding operations across their properties to breed, raise, train and sell game fowl for cockfighting ventures.
Copas faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm with its serial number removed.
All five defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances September 23 in U.S. District Court in Bowling Green.
Each man faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted on the cockfighting-related offenses. Copas faces up to an additional five years on the firearm charge.
There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Source: WDRB+WAVE
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