Edinburg man charged with running cockfighting operation in Monte Alto

Authorities arrested an Edinburg man on June 1 over accusations that he was charging people $20 to enter a Monte Alto property to participate in cockfighting.

Arnuflo Arizmendi, 41, is charged with cockfighting: causes or earns.

Law enforcement became aware of the ranch north of Nitter Road on Jesus Flores Road at around 2:29 p.m. June 1 after a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter pilot observed several vehicles at the location and people running, according to a probable cause affidavit.

DPS reached out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office for assistance in the investigation.

"Upon arrival Troopers and Deputies drove inside the property," the affidavit stated.

Deputies knocked on a metal warehouse on the property and a man, identified as Arizmendi, stepped out and said he was the property owner.

Arizmendi gave deputies verbal consent to search the warehouse, according to the affidavit.

"Deputies (entered) the metal warehouse and observed several roosters at location, as well as (a) dead rooster in the trash, fresh blood in a metal cage, a concession stand set up for sale of alcoholic beverages and snacks, and blades, usually used on roosters for cockfighting," the affidavit stated.

Authorities also interviewed witnesses at the scene who said that Arizmendi charged people $20 to enter the property for the cockfighting, according to the affidavit.

He bailed out of the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond on June 2, records show.

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