Hector M. Cruz, Animal Welfare Violations, New York 2023
A Bronx teacher has been charged with animal welfare violations related to a cockfighting venture.
Hector M. Cruz, a 59-year-old resident of the Bronx, New York, was arrested today for his alleged involvement in a cruel and illegal business of raising and selling roosters for cockfighting purposes. The defendant is expected to be presented today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, Cruz maintained a rooster farm at a location in the Bronx, where he bred, raised, and trained roosters for cockfighting. He sold and shipped his roosters to individuals across the country, knowing that the birds were intended for cockfights. Cruz communicated with customers through social media and received payments of as much as $600 for fighting birds.
Cruz is charged with selling, possessing, and transporting animals for purposes of participation in an animal fight, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General and the NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and thanked them for their ongoing support and assistance with the case.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office's General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. McGinnis and Alison G. Moe are in charge of the case.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant: Hector M. Cruz
Criminal Charges: Selling, possessing, and transporting animals for purposes of participation in an animal fight
City and State: New York, New York
Arrest Date: Today (June 10, 2023)
Sentence: Will be determined by the judge
Dollar Amounts: Up to $600 for fighting birds
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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