Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Cockfighting

A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation in which he brought gaffs from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for animal fighting.

Jose Rivera, 70, was sentenced to two years of probation, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Rivera previously pleaded guilty on April 13 to violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Rivera admitted that he traveled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island to participate in cockfight and that he brought with him gaffs or other sharp instruments that he had purchased and which were designed or intended to be attached to the leg of a rooster in a fight against another rooster. Rivera further admitted that he was aware that the cockfights he traveled to participate in were for sport, wagering, and entertainment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston's Law Enforcement Division, Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

The matter was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.