- Louisiana, USA -
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that 61-years-old JESUS FERNANDEZ (pictured below), has been arrested after he was being sought for animal cruelty charges.
According to a news release by the sheriff’s office, an investigation into FERNANDEZ began in September 2020, in regard to FERNANDEZ selling drugs in the Morgan City area as well as being involved in cockfighting.
On August 7, 2021, a detective with the St. Mary Parish Narcotics Section conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle during which K9 Officer Doerak carried out an open-air sniff around the vehicle. In addition to drugs and cash, the detective also found chickens in cages who appeared to have been used in cockfighting.
The driver of the vehicle, FERNANDEZ, was arrested and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on:
• Improper lane usage.
• Possession of schedule II with intent to distribute (cocaine).
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Transactions involving drug proceeds.
FERNANDEZ was then released on a $31,750 bond.
As the investigation progressed, a search warrant was executed on August 10, at a residence in Amelia with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Toney Wade with the Cruelty Investigation Task Force.
After discovering chickens, sheep, and other animals in poor condition, without proper food and water, officials removed from the property a hundred and sixty-six chickens, and sixteen sheep and goats.
Sadly, officials also found dead chickens in the residence.
As a result of this investigation, on the afternoon of August 10, authorities arrested on a warrant for animal cruelty, 43-years-old ARTEMIO RODRIGUEZ and 44-years-old MARIA ORTIZ.
They were released on a summons to appear on November 2, 2021.
The following day, JESUS FERNANDEZ was arrested again.
The sheriff’s office said that a warrant has been obtained for FERNANDEZ on one and hundred forty-seven counts of cockfighting and one hundred and fifty-one counts of animal cruelty.
FERNANDEZ was once again released after posting a $10,000 bond.
I loathe those who use innocent animals for fights.
Those who participate in these despicable activities, both organizers and spectators, are heartless and soulless individuals who make bloody and dishonest money at the expense of precious lives!!!
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