Only in Miami: How an FBI investigation led to thousands of roosters

Ervin Shkulaku/DUANEWS.NET

What began as an unrelated FBI investigation in Southwest Miami-Dade led authorities to a massive suspected cockfighting operation involving several thousand roosters.

Federal agents were searching a 10-acre property near Southwest 51st Street when they discovered what appeared to be an illegal cockfighting site, according to authorities.

The FBI contacted the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, whose Organized Crime Bureau joined the investigation.

What detectives found was extensive.

According to the arrest report, investigators observed “several thousand” game-fowl roosters, multiple enclosed training rings and equipment authorities say was associated with cockfighting.

Investigators reported finding fighting spurs, rooster agitators, syringes, medications, vitamins and even specialized equipment used to train the birds.

Authorities later obtained a search warrant and returned to the property with Miami-Dade Animal Services.

One Man Arrested

Police arrested 52-year-old Carlos Rafael Lezcano in connection with the investigation.

According to investigators, Lezcano and another man allegedly entered the secured area while authorities were searching the property. When a detective ordered them to stop, both men allegedly ran and jumped a fence.

Deputies later located Lezcano at a nearby nursery and took him into custody.

Investigators said they also found a ledger containing his name at the property.

Lezcano faces three felony charges — animal cruelty, tampering with physical evidence and animal fighting — as well as a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer without violence.

He was released on bond Monday night.

Other Animals Found in Poor Condition

The investigation did not involve only roosters.

Animal rescuers also found goats and ponies on the property, some reportedly in extremely poor condition.

The Florida SPCA said some goats were emaciated and suffering from respiratory problems, while one pony was described as severely underweight.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the property and the suspected cockfighting operation.

What started as a separate FBI investigation ultimately uncovered what authorities describe as an enormous suspected animal-fighting operation in South Florida.