Cockfighting ring leader sentenced to jail.

February 25, 2019

Lazaro Madrigal with attorney Ryan Good.

Cockfighting ring leader sentenced to jail.

#OceanaCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

WARNING: SOME PHOTOS MAY BE CONSIDERED GRAPHIC.

HART — A 37-year-old Shelby man was sentenced to 10 months in jail Monday, Feb. 25, in 27th Circuit Court for a felony conviction of animals – fighting – in connection to a cockfighting ring that was raided by police last June in Hart Township.

A jury found Lazaro Daniel Madrigal, of 101 S. 72nd Ave., guilty last November.

“I realized the wrong I did, and I am sorry for everything I did,” Madrigal said to Judge Robert D. Springstead.

– Crime scene investigation photo.

“He denied being there even though he had two cars there and was the judge/referee of the event,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

Madrigal received credit for 90 days served in jail and must serve 18 months probation. He is also ordered to pay $951.80 in restitution that is joint and several with other co-defendants.

Madrigal’s attorney, Ryan Good, recommended an eight-month sentence. Good said his client has a back injury and asked the court for leniency.

“This is the person who organized the cockfighting ring,” Bizon said.

Sixteen other men were arrested in connection to the deadly cockfighting ring at 1811 N. 72nd Ave., and all have been sentenced.

– Crime scene investigation photo.

The felony charge of animal fighting is punishable by up to four years in prison.

Ten dead roosters were found in a pit, and police confiscated razor spurs that were attached to the roosters’ feet and vials of injectable stimulant used to make the chickens more aggressive. Several of the birds had cuts from the razors. Police found 35 live roosters that were either in pens or actively fighting in the woods.

Several suspects attempted to flee from the police in the densely wooded area.

Madrigal’s wife, Yesenia Jovana Madrigal, was also criminally charged for allegedly collecting money at the chicken fight, but her charge was dismissed when the person who identified her failed to appear at her preliminary exam, Bizon said. The witness may have been deported to Mexico. If he can be brought back to testify, her criminal charge will be re-issued.

This story is copyrighted © 2019, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.