An anonymous tip led to the discovery of illegal cockfighting in Central Florida.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently followed up on an anonymous tip regarding a possible past-occurred crime, and during the process they discovered a whole different crime occurring.
While attempting to make contact with residents at a home on McClellan Road in Frostproof, deputies saw multiple roosters in cages. The roosters were missing their combs and wattles, which is common for roosters used in illegal cockfighting according to local law enforcement.
Also visible to deputies were a fighting ring and scales which are used to determine weight class for the roosters.
Detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant and among the items recovered were metal spurs, boxing gloves, and a ledger containing fight rounds.
Detectives determined that Alex Galarza owned roosters and possessed equipment for the purpose of illegal animal fighting.
During the Central Florida cockfighting investigation, Galarza’s 19-year-old sister Isela Garcia-Galarza would not heed warnings against interfering with detectives, and she was arrested for obstruction by PCSO.
According to law enforcement, Alex Galarza was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail, charged with: Breeding, training – cock fighting, Owning, possessing for the purpose of Cock fighting, Managing, operating property for the purpose of cock fighting.
