Horacio Ortega-Martinez, Unlawful Possession of Animals for Animal Fighting, California 2022

RESNO, Calif. – A brutal animal fighting ring operating out of Bakersfield has landed one man in federal court. Horacio Ortega-Martinez, 35, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, admitted guilt today to unlawful possession of animals for an animal fighting venture, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. The bust is part of a larger, multi-agency operation targeting organized crime and drug trafficking in Kern County.

Court records show Ortega-Martinez was in constant communication with Jorge Calderon-Campos, 41, regarding illegal cockfighting events. On February 12, 2022, Calderon-Campos attended an event where fifteen roosters were forced to fight for a $5,000 prize. This wasn’t a one-off; authorities uncovered a sophisticated operation during a raid on Ortega-Martinez’s residence on April 26, 2022.

The search warrant revealed a horrifying scene: approximately 250 roosters crammed into the property, alongside 250 “gaffs” – razor-sharp steel blades cruelly affixed to the birds’ legs. Investigators also found training mitts used to condition the roosters for fighting, and a stockpile of antibiotics, vitamins, and supplements designed to enhance their fighting ability. It was a breeding ground for violence, fueled by greed and disregard for animal welfare.

Ortega-Martinez and Calderon-Campos were both arrested on April 26, 2022, alongside six other Kern County residents facing various drug trafficking charges. The investigation, a joint effort involving ICE Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service, demonstrates the often-blurred lines between animal cruelty and more serious criminal enterprises. This operation highlights that illegal animal fighting rings are rarely isolated incidents.

Ortega-Martinez faces a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. However, the final sentence will be determined based on federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Calderon-Campos remains charged, with the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

This case falls under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, a multi-agency initiative designed to dismantle high-level criminal organizations. The OCDETF focuses on intelligence-driven, prosecutor-led investigations, demonstrating a commitment to tackling complex criminal networks that threaten the United States. Details on the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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