Five Kentucky Men Indicted in Federal Cockfighting Investigation
Five men from Kentucky have been indicted on federal charges following an investigation into illegal cockfighting operations. Federal prosecutors allege that Christopher Copas, 53, and James Holland, 57, both of Bowling Green, along with Don Ray 'Donnie' Haley, 60, of Elkton, were charged with possessing roosters for participation in an animal fighting venture. Additionally, Ramon Escamilla, 65, who divides his time between Bowling Green and Mexico, and his son Eric Escamilla, 36, of Bowling Green, face charges of conspiracy to commit the same offense. The defendants are accused of running breeding operations across their properties to breed, raise, train, and sell game fowl specifically for cockfighting. Christopher Copas faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm with its serial number removed. All five men are scheduled to make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Bowling Green on September 23.