Two Coolidge Men Indicted for Large Cockfighting Operation

A Pinal County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Samuel Felix, 60, and Gerald Vaughn, 61, both of Coolidge, following a months-long investigation into a large-scale cockfighting and illegal enterprise operation uncovered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement (GIITEM).

Felix and Vaughn were each indicted on one count of Controlling an Illegal Enterprise, a Class 3 felony under A.R.S. § 13-2312, and 80 counts of Cockfighting, a Class 5 felony under A.R.S. § 13-2910.01.

Vaughn was additionally indicted on three counts of Animal Cruelty, stemming from the condition and treatment of other animals on his property.

The indictments arise from a multi-agency investigation that began in the summer of 2025, after detectives identified suspected cockfighting activity at adjoining residential properties at 1003 and 1007 South Main Street in Coolidge. During the execution of coordinated search warrants on October 29, 2025, law enforcement recovered more than 110 fighting roosters, along with cockfighting paraphernalia, training equipment, ledgers, steroids, and cash proceeds consistent with organized animal fighting operations.

Investigators also located numerous items of gang indicia and firearms, and documented severe neglect of multiple dogs and other animals on the properties. The Arizona Humane Society assisted in processing and documenting all animals at the scene.

Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller commended the investigative work and emphasized the seriousness of the charges.

“Cockfighting is a brutal and organized criminal activity that fuels animal cruelty and associated illegal enterprises,” stated County Attorney Miller. “Our office will aggressively prosecute those who profit from these operations and violate Arizona’s laws and community standards.”