Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Role in Cockfighting Operation

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

Luis Castillo, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. Dubose for the District of Rhode Island to two years of probation.

Castillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Castillo admitted that he travelled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island with roosters to participate in cockfighting for, sport, wagering, and entertainment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigation, and 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.