By: Richard L. Smith
Jose Madera, 33, of Egg Harbor City, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 6, to charges related to organizing and maintaining a cockfighting ring on his property in Galloway Township.
Madera also admitted to several counts of animal cruelty, including the maiming and mutilation of roosters, cruelty involving other animals, and neglecting to provide necessary care for one of four dogs seized during the investigation.
The guilty plea is part of a broader case stemming from a March 9, 2024, raid by the Galloway Township Police Department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) Unit. Officers executed a search warrant at Madera’s property on the 300 block of S. Bremen Avenue, where they discovered an extensive cockfighting operation.
The setup included a constructed cockfighting ring, spectator seating, and numerous cockfighting kits.
Approximately 50 roosters, many in poor health, were found in crates, storage boxes, and bags around the arena.
During the raid, police arrested 51 individuals and seized over $37,000 in cash. The roosters were later relocated after consultation with the NJ Department of Agriculture.
In addition to the roosters, four dogs were removed from the property, three of which were found living in inhumane conditions in an outdoor shed.
One of the dogs required emergency surgery for a condition that existed before the raid.
Madera also pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and resisting arrest by fleeing into nearby woods during the raid.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the State is requesting five years of probation, with Madera serving 364 days in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
He is also required to permanently surrender the relocated animals, is prohibited from acquiring or living with any new animals, and must complete 30 days of community service, preferably at an animal shelter or rescue. Additionally,
Madera must forfeit all money and property seized during the investigation and pay restitution.
Madera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2024.
