The Cocke County Sheriffs department has made more cockfighting arrests, with the assistance of other law enforcement department.
The FBI, State Troopers and Sheriffs deputies arrested 4 men yesterday, during a raid aimed at stopping illegal gambling. All 4 of the men are in their 60's.
The US Attorney said that the 4 men will be charged with operating an illegal gambling business and sponsoring or exhibiting gamecocks in an animal-fighting venture. This 2nd charge is a federal felony and the 4 men could face very stiff penalties.
The gambling operation was very similar to the Del Rio Cockfighting Pit that was taken down by a large group of state and federal agents in 2005. The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into corruption in Cocke County.
Several Cock County police were either proven guilty or admitted guilt to crimes related to the illegal activities, including a long time Sheriff who was not charged, but did resign in 2006.
This time the Cocke County Sheriff's department was involved in the raid because no officers from their departments were suspected of being involved with this latest cockfighting ring.
