Multiple roosters were rescued and a man was arrested after he was allegedly caught during a traffic stop owning the animals for cockfighting in Marengo Saturday morning.
The Marengo Police Department conducted a traffic stop around 6:10 a.m. Saturday at North State Street and Municipal Drive.
Marengo Police Department Sgt. Andrew Kjellgren said the stop was conducted for driving without headlights.
The driver was identified as Jose M. Alicea-Reyes, 51, of Plainfield.
The officer could hear roosters from inside the vehicle and began a conversation with Alicea-Reyes, as the officer has personal knowledge of chickens, Kjellgren said.
A search of the vehicle was conducted and officers found items such as sharpened spurs, beak covers, antibiotics and over $9,600 in cash.
Six roosters were also in the vehicle and they were turned over to McHenry County Animal Control, Kjellgren said.
Alicea-Reyes admitted ownership of the roosters, according to a criminal complaint.
Alicea-Reyes was arrested and charged with six counts of owning an animal for sport fighting, a Class 4 felony, and possession of equipment for animal fighting, a Class 4 felony.
He was also issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and a warning for driving without lights when required.
Alicea-Reyes was transported to the McHenry County Jail where he remains held pending an Initial Appearance Court hearing on Monday morning.