7 members of Alabama family sentenced in federal bust of "one of the largest cockfighting operations" in the U.S.
CBSN
Seven members of an Alabama family will serve sentences, ranging from probation to two years in federal prison, for running what authorities called "one of the largest cockfighting operations" in the country, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
The Department of Justice said the final member of the Easterling family of Verbena, Alabama, was sentenced this week after pleading guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act's prohibition against animal fighting. For more than two years, the defendants allegedly held illegal cockfighting events at an arena with stadium-style seating for 150 people.
Prosecutors said participants paid large entry fees - up to $1,500 to fight seven roosters - while spectators wagered on the roosters, which fought with blades strapped to their legs, according to court documents.
