Pinon Hills Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty when Search Uncovers Cockfighting Evidence...

Pinon Hills Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty when Search Uncovers Cockfighting Evidence and Illegal Firearms

DATE: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 9:34 a.m.

INCIDENT: PC597(A): Animal Cruelty, PC30515(A)(1): Possession of Illegal Firearms LOCATION: 11500 block of Pinon Hills Road, Pinon Hills

SUSPECT: Jorge Castaneda, age 30, resident of Pinon Hills SUMMARY: On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, investigators with the Rural Crimes Task Force served a search warrant at a residence in the 11500 block of Pinon Hills Road, in Pinon Hills. The warrant was part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation.

During the search, investigators located 35 game cocks believed to have been used in illegal cockfighting. At least one bird exhibited injuries consistent with recent fighting. Additionally, several items commonly associated with cockfighting activities were located inside the residence. Investigators also located multiple firearms, including three AK-47 style rifles that were not compliant with California state laws. Castaneda was taken into custody without incident and transported to the High Desert Detention Center.

Although cockfighting is legal in some countries, it is illegal in the United States and is considered a serious offense under California law. The Rural Crimes Task Force is committed to thoroughly investigating and prosecuting crimes involving animal cruelty.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victor Valley station at (760) 552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Deputy J. Ballinger

Station: Victor Valley/Rural Crimes

Phone No. 760-552-6800

Case No. 522500056

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department