Charges filed against owners of property where cockfighting operation uncovered

Charges were taken out by the Chatham County Sheriff's Office against Margarita Juarez, 33, and Jesus Ibarra, 32, for felony cockfighting and misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Additional charges are expected as the investigation remains ongoing, deputies said.

Juarez was released on a written promise to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on Mar. 30. Ibarra was assigned a $2,500 secured bond and is also due in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on Mar. 30. Both individuals are under orders not to possess or acquire any animal of any kind as a result of the charges against them.

Members of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office responded to 7046 Old US 1 Highway in New Hill in regards to allegations of a suspected cockfighting operation. Deputies encountered a cockfighting exhibition in progress. Multiple people fled the scene. Additional staff members were requested to assist with processing the scene, including securing animals and towing more than a dozen vehicles as evidence for further investigation.

Dozens of animals, many of them sick or injured, were confiscated.

“Our staff appreciates the hard work and partnership of these organizations as we examine this case,” Sheriff Mike Roberson said in a press release. “All animals connected to the investigation are considered living items of evidence and are not available for adoption at this time.”

Chatham County deputies worked with members of Guilford County Animal Control, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane Society of the United States and several veterinarians from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine to evaluate the medical condition and specific needs of the animals seized from the property.

Any member of the public with information regarding the investigation is encouraged to call the Chatham County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 919-542-2911.