MEDIA RELEASE

On Thursday, July 1, 2010, Area I Vice Officers executed a Search Warrant at a Kalopa residence in the Hamakua District which resulted in the arrests of four individuals in conjunction with cockfighting activity.

The warrant was served at approximately 8:15 p.m., after Vice Officers received information of possible cockfighting being held at the residence. The search led to the recovery of a total of seven dead and injured roosters with five having “gaffs” affixed to their legs, a poultry scale, bullets, a 30-30 caliber firearm and $754 in U.S. currency.

Police noted approximately 75 people in attendance and the initial investigation resulted in the arrest of Ernest Valenzuela (M-28), and his brother Erwin Valenzuela (M-26), a woman (F-25), and Marisa Alcantra (F-34), all of whom reside in Kalopa.

On Friday at 3:15 p.m., Erwin Valenzuela was charged with ten counts of Cruelty to Animals, one count of Registration Mandatory, one count of Permit to Acquire and one count of Gambling. His bail was set at $6500. At the same time, Ernest Valenzuela was charged with ten counts of Cruelty to Animals and one count of Gambling, and his bail was set at $5,500.

Both the woman and Alcantra were released pending further investigation.

As of this writing, both Valenzuelas remain in custody pending posting of bail