(WDRB+WAVE/WKYT
) — Five Kentucky men are facing federal charges after an investigation uncovered several farms in and near Bowling Green being used to breed and train roosters for illegal animal fighting.
A federal grand jury returned four separate indictments charging the men.
According to court records, Christopher Copas, 53, and James Holland, 57, both of Bowling Green, along with Don Ray “Donnie” Haley, 60, of Elkton, were each charged with possessing roosters for the purpose of having them participate in an animal fighting venture.
Federal authorities also charged Ramon Escamilla, 65, who splits time between Bowling Green and Mexico, and his son Eric Escamilla, 36, of Bowling Green, with conspiracy to commit the same offense.
Federal prosecutors allege the defendants ran the breeding operations across their properties to breed, raise, train and sell game fowl for cockfighting ventures.
Copas faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm with its serial number removed.
All five defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances Sept. 23 in U.S. District Court in Bowling Green.
Each man faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted on the cockfighting-related offenses. Copas faces up to an additional five years on the firearm charge.
There is no parole in the federal prison system.