After law enforcement raided a Chickasaw County property that was believed to be facilitating a massive cockfighting operation, a man has turned himself in to authorities.
Jack Standfield surrendered to police on Monday night. Standfield is the landowner of a property along County Road 406 in the Buena Vista community, where people were reportedly traveling from multiple states to fight roosters.
Authorities responded to the scene on Sunday and made 59 arrests. In addition, law enforcement rescued 164 roosters while confiscating firearms, illegal drugs, and tens of thousands of dollars in equipment on site.
Standfield reportedly confessed to police that he allowed people to use his land for illegal fights. He is charged with animal cruelty and gambling at the state level but could face federal charges.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting animal welfare and enforcing the laws of the State of Mississippi,” Chickasaw County Sheriff Jim Meyers said following the raid. “The seizure of more than 160 fighting roosters, firearms, narcotics, cash, vehicles, and equipment used in these illegal activities highlights the scope of this criminal enterprise.”
Officials from multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to investigate this case. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely, per authorities.