Tolland Cockfighting Arrests: 1 Property Owner Seems Primed For Plea, Another Due In Court This Week

TOLLAND, CT — As one of the accused ringleaders of a large-scale cockfighting operation in Tolland prepares for a Friday appearance in Rockville Superior Court, the second seems primed for a plea bargain, judicial system records show.

The operation was broken up during a May 16 raid at 55 Mountain Spring Road. The cockfighting was staged at an old quarry set back a good distance from the home, according to case records.

One of the two property owners — 59-year-old Elvin Miranda, had his case records sealed during an court appearance in Rockville earlier this month. His initial charges were cruelty to Animals, professional gambling, operating a gambling premise and risk of injury to a minor, case records show. He was free after posting a $250,000 bond.

His case is now referenced by, "Awaiting plea ... referred to adult probation" on judicial system records. A sealed docket often hints a plea bargain is imminent for some of the charges. Elvin Miranda is due back in court on Sept. 18, judicial system records show.

Meanwhile, the second property owner, 66-year-old Lisa Miranda, is slated to appear in court Friday. Her revised charges are still public — cruelty to animals, operating an illegal professional gambling operation and risk of injury to a child. She has also been free on a $250,000 bond.

During the May 16 raid, authorities not only barged in on the cockfights but set up a perimeter along the tree line to the rear of the property and systematically picked up fleeing participants.

As a result of the search warrant execution, the Connecticut State Police made 100 in-custody arrests. Participants and spectators were from multiple states like Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The arrest list can be viewed here.

Investigators seized approximately $90,000 in U.S. currency.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture located 273 birds on the property and all 273 birds were euthanized due to their deteriorated conditions, case records show.

In addition to the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Investigations, the following Connecticut State Police units assisted in the investigation and arrest operation:

• Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team
• Connecticut State Police Aviation Unit
• Connecticut State Police Drone Unit
• Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime
• Connecticut State Police Troop C - Tolland
• Connecticut State Police K9 Unit
• Connecticut State Police Intelligence and Operations Unit

Other agencies involved included:

• Office of the State's Attorney: Rockville Superior Court, GA19
• Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations Team
• Connecticut Department of Correction
• Connecticut Department of Agriculture
• Tolland Fire Department
• Tolland EMS