When Stafford County detectives executed a search warrant for stolen property at a home on Norman Road, they were in for a larger discovery. 80 chickens along with weapons used for illegal cock fighting were found at the home, leading investigators to the arrest of Sergio Munoz, 47.

Controlled substances were also seized as part of the investigation by the Stafford County Sherriff’s Office’s Special Problems Unit.

Munoz now faces five felony counts of animal fighting and is detained at the Rappahannock Regional jail. More charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

The chickens are currently held as evidence and are in the care of the Stafford County Animal Shelter where they will receive full veterinary care while the shelter works on long-term solutions to care and provide for the chickens.

Investigators believe this to be part of an organized cock fighting ring in Stafford County.

In addition to tips about stolen property, police had received reports of possible cockfights at the home according to Sherriff David Decatur.

Cockfighting is a brutal activity in which birds are often strapped with razors and spikes used to make the activity more ferocious. It is a crime in all 50 states with 42 recognizing it as a felony.”It’s not just the animal cruelty, it’s illegal gambling. It’s money laundering. It’s narcotics trafficking,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the advocacy group Animal Wellness Action. “Virginia has a lot of rural and people think perhaps, they can get away with it. I think this bust by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is a signal to cockfighters there is no refuge in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”