A search of a home in Lawrence, a half-hour outside Kalamazoo, led to the confiscation of 18 dead roosters and a motorcycle. Police were informed of possible cockfighting happening at the home and executed a search warrant on the evening of March 3. A 32-year-old man was arrested and faces charges for allegedly committing multiple felony crimes.

At the home, the owner showed police his hens and roosters. In a barn, police noticed feathers and blood. At that point, the man admitted that he had engaged in cockfighting that night. Police also found a cockfighting ring, a stolen quad runner and mini-bike, 18 dead roosters, cash, paperwork and other paraphernalia. They also found tools believed to be stolen.

The man faces multiple criminal charges for the crimes he allegedly committed. They include three felony counts of animal fighting, two felony counts of receiving and hiding stolen property and a misdemeanor count of receiving and hiding stolen property.

A crime is classified by how serious it is and the type of punishment the offender can potentially face. Misdemeanor crimes, such as petty theft, are minor crimes that can be punishable by up to one year in a county jail. A felony, on the other hand, is more serious and includes animal cruelty and theft of property valued at over a certain amount. In this case, the felonies are considered five-year felonies, which are punishable by up to five years in prison.

Jail time may not be the only punishment imposed upon the man. The prosecutor and defense have some leeway in how they punish offenders. The man and his lawyer will need a strong defense in order to get the sentence reduced.

Source: MLive, “Dead roosters, stolen property lead to felony cockfighting charges against Lawrence man,” Rosemary Parker, March 4, 2013