Court Denies Accused Tolland Cockfighting Ringleader Special Probation

TOLLAND, CT — One of the ringleaders in a Tolland cockfighting operation was denied special probation in Rockville Superior Court Friday and his partner had her case continued.

Lisa Miranda, 66, is due back in court on OCT. 23. So is 59-year-old Elvin Miranda.

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

Elvin Miranda's application for accelerated rehabilitation was denied Friday. His initial charges were cruelty to Animals, professional gambling, operating a gambling premise and risk of injury to a minor, case records show. He has been free after posting a $250,000 bond.

Lisa Miranda's revised charges are 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