Sergio Ruiz-Osorio, aged 54, was apprehended in the southwest of Miami-Dade, marking him as the second suspect in the alleged cockfighting operation uncovered recently on a 10-acre property in the Horse Country area, according to county authorities.
The arrest was triggered by a sign on the property reading "Los Laureles, Animal Sales" with a phone number. Detectives dialed the number, and Ruiz-Osorio answered, identifying himself as the owner of the animals.
He stated he was in Naples at the time but pledged to return to the site. Upon his arrival, he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center for processing.
Ruiz-Osorio is facing two serious charges under Florida law: possession or ownership of animals for fighting purposes and animal cruelty with the intent to harm or kill.
Discovery of Abandoned Animals
Prior to Ruiz-Osorio's arrest, detectives searched an additional part of the estate on Wednesday, uncovering approximately 125 roosters, 16 dogs, three cats, goats, turtles, and numerous birds, all described by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) arrest report as being in a "visibly neglected state."
The animals were deprived of food and water; the turtles had barely any water and showed signs of distress.
Evidence of Cockfighting Activity
In the same section, authorities found a closed training ring, a rooster agitator, and other paraphernalia related to cockfighting. Miami-Dade Animal Services removed all animals from the premises.
This arrest followed the detainment of Carlos Rafael Lezcano, 52, over the weekend. Lezcano attempted to escape by jumping a fence during the initial raid. He was found in a nearby nursery and is facing four charges, including evidence tampering and resisting arrest. His bail was set at $10,500.
FBI's Role in Uncovering the Operation
The investigation began on October 4th when the FBI was inspecting the property for an unrelated matter and stumbled upon what appeared to be a large-scale cockfighting operation. Federal agents alerted the MDSO's Vice and Intelligence Squad, and that night, a judge authorized a specific search warrant.
The following day, detectives discovered "several thousand" fighting roosters—Univision reported at least 6,000 birds—alongside multiple training rings, used spurs, boxing gloves, syringes, medications, and vitamins.
Legal Ramifications and Previous Incidents
Under Florida Statute 828.122, cockfighting is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Federally, organizing or participating in animal fights can lead to an additional five years of imprisonment.
This case surpasses previous operations in the area. In April, two men were arrested in the county's southwest after 500 to 600 roosters were found on another property. In May 2025, the MDSO dismantled a network in Redland, resulting in 42 arrests, 72 roosters seized, and nearly $40,000 in cash confiscated.
Following that raid, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz warned, "Animal fights are not only inhumane but often accompany other serious crimes."
Key Facts About Cockfighting Laws and Recent Arrests
What charges is Sergio Ruiz-Osorio facing?
Sergio Ruiz-Osorio faces charges of animal possession for fighting purposes and cruelty with the intent to harm or kill, both serious offenses under Florida law.
How did authorities discover the cockfighting operation?
The FBI discovered the cockfighting operation incidentally while inspecting the property for an unrelated matter, leading to involvement from the MDSO's Vice and Intelligence Squad.
What did the detectives find on the property?
Detectives found approximately 125 roosters, 16 dogs, three cats, goats, turtles, and several birds in poor conditions, along with cockfighting equipment like training rings and spurs.
What are the legal penalties for cockfighting in Florida?
Cockfighting is a third-degree felony in Florida, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000, with potential for additional federal penalties.