Illegal gambling, cockfighting bust in Connecticut results in arrests

• Police arrested nearly 100 people suspected of being involved in a large-scale illegal gambling and cockfighting ring uncovered in Tolland, Connecticut
• During the recent operation, law enforcement found and seized $90,000 in cash and nearly 300 birds
• The homeowners of the private residence where the suspected illegal gambling and cockfighting had taken place were arrested and face a range of charges

Connecticut law enforcement arrested dozens of people in a massive operation against illegal gambling and cockfighting.

100 individuals arrested in an illegal gambling, cockfighting sting

A press release by law enforcement confirms that the operation took place over the weekend at 55 Mountain Spring Road in Tolland.

While the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Special Investigations executed a search warrant on the premises, other police units also participated in the investigation and the recent arrests.

As a result, officers from the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit (ESU) Tactical Team, the Connecticut State Police Aviation Unit, the Connecticut State Police Drone Unit and the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime (EDMC), among others, helped with the search of the private residence.

According to the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Special Investigations, the latest operation comes after a lengthy investigation.

During the raid on Saturday, law enforcement identified and arrested the two homeowners of the residence on 55 Mountain Spring Rd.

In total, police arrested 100 suspects during the raid.

Executing a search warrant, police found and seized $90,000 in U.S. currency, as well as 273 birds, suspected of being used in cockfighting.

Police confirmed that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture collected all 273 birds, which were later euthanized "due to their deteriorated conditions."

Homeowners of the property face a list of serious charges

The two homeowners were arrested and charged with violations of C.G.S 53-247 Cruelty to Animals, C.G.S. 53-278b Professional Gambling, C.G.S. 53-278e Operating a Gambling Premise and 53-21 Risk of Injury to a Minor.

In the case of Cruelty to Animals charges, the penalty can vary as a misdemeanor or felony, with the former being punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 and the latter carrying a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and monetary sanctions of up to $5,000.

Charges related to Professional Gambling in Connecticut are usually classified as a Class A misdemeanor, subject to punishment of up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

On the other hand, Operating a Gambling Premise can either be classified as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class D felony, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 or a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000, respectively.

Last but not least, Risk of Injury to a Minor is usually viewed as a Class C felony and can be punished by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

The other suspects in the case are also facing a range of charges.

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