HESPERIA, CA — Twenty-six individuals were taken into custody on Sunday, October 26, 2025, following an investigation into illegal cockfighting activities at a location in the 17100 block of Darwin Avenue in Hesperia. The arrests were executed by the Sheriff’s Rural Crimes Task Force after initial response by Hesperia Station deputies.
Seized Evidence – Courtesy of SBSD
The incident commenced at approximately 11:29 a.m. when deputies responded to a report of an unknown problem involving multiple people at the business address. Upon arrival, authorities observed several subjects attempting to flee the building. With support from Sheriff’s Aviation and deputies from Victorville City Station, law enforcement personnel detained 26 individuals.
A subsequent search of the premises revealed an active cockfighting operation. The Sheriff’s Rural Crimes Task Force was called to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the business and associated vehicles on the property.
During the execution of the search warrant, investigators documented significant evidence related to the illegal activity. Evidence collected included a cockfighting ring, 56 live roosters, and 24 deceased roosters. Additional items recovered at the site were score cards, gaffs (sharp implements attached to a rooster’s leg), and five firearms. Investigators also reported finding food catering at the location.
Authorities collected approximately $28,000 in U.S. currency as evidence from the 26 individuals detained. Searches of multiple vehicles yielded numerous gaffs and other materials associated with illegal cockfighting.
Hesperia Animal Control provided assistance with the animals found at the scene. Transportation vans from the High Desert Detention Center were utilized to move the suspects. All 26 individuals were booked at the High Desert Detention Center on felony charges related to Cruelty to Animals (PC 597).
The individuals arrested have been identified as: Juan Pantoja, Jario Diaz Munoz, Guillermo Plancarte, Saul Satibanez Gomez, Gilberto Chavez Navarro, Oscar Lopez, Luis Gonzalez Celis, Jose Tova Hurtado, Zutllamy Mata, Alan Segoviano, Samuel Perez, Francisco Sandoval, Antonio Rodriguez, Fernando Arana Contreras, Gustavo Rivas, Julio Becerra, Maria Bustillo, Natalie Flores Gilbert, Jose Camarillo, Kimberly Delgado, Karla Ambriz Quezada, Matthew Perez, Ricardo Perez, Jessica Nunez Rivas, Manuel Salinas, and Antonio Villa. Their residences span several cities, including Los Angeles, Downey, Riverside, Hesperia, Long Beach, Anaheim, Fontana, Adelanto, Hemet, Coachella Valley, Compton, Glendale, San Diego, and Norwalk.
