Man pleads guilty in horrific Galloway Twp., NJ, cockfighting case

An Atlantic County man has pleaded guilty in connection to operating a large cockfighting ring in Galloway Township.

Jose Madera of Egg Harbor City, NJ, pleads guilty

Prosecutors say on Tuesday, 33-year-old Jose Madera of Egg Harbor City entered a guilty plea to organizing and maintaining a cockfighting ring, several counts of animal cruelty, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intention to distribute, and resisting arrest by flight.

The terms of a plea agreement call for probation upon 364 days in the Atlantic County Justice Facility; permanent surrender of the relocated animals; the defendant may not acquire any new animals or be co-domiciled with any animals; 30 days of community service, preferably at an animal shelter or rescue; forfeiture of all money/property seized; and restitution.

Cockfighting ring in Galloway, NJ, busted

On Saturday, March 9th, the Galloway Township Police Department executed a search warrant at a home owned by Madera on the 300 block of S. Bremen Avenue following an investigation into a large cockfighting ring.

At the scene, authorities say they encountered a large group of people, many of whom attempted to flee; numerous suspects were detained.

During a search of the property, police located an "elaborate cockfighting operation" that allegedly included a constructed cockfighting ring, spectator-style seating, and approximately 50 roosters in various degrees of health.

In total, police arrested over four dozen people and seized over $37,000 in cash.

After consulting with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the roosters recovered during the search were relocated. Four dogs, three of which were living in inhumane conditions, were also seized and turned over to animal control.

Madera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29th.