Miami

Pair Charged in Illegal Miami-Dade Slaughterhouse Back in Court

Two of the men charged with operating an illegal slaughterhouse in Miami-Dade where more than 3,000 animals were found were back in court Thursday.

Gregorio Santa Ana, 69, and Ruben Rodriguez, 67, were in court facing more than 35 criminal counts of animal cruelty between them. Santa Ana was being held on $169,000 bond and Rodriguez on $62,000.

After a five-month investigation, Miami-Dade Police closed down Coco Farms on Northwest 41st Street two weeks ago. Investigators found more than 3,000 animals in dire conditions, with many having to be euthanized.

"So, should Mr. Rodriguez fail to appear, obviously they have the money, almost all of the bond amount, between the three of them in their accounts," Rodriguez's attorney told Judge Marisa Tinkler-Mendez at Thursday's hearing.

The judge interviewed family members on their proof of funds to help the defendants bond out of jail. Rodriguez's son appeared before the judge at the hearing.

Rodriguez's family was able to secure bond for him but Santa Ana's hearing on his bond will continue Friday. Police also arrested a third and fourth suspect in this case, Jose Armando Solis and Henry Parra Oporta, on similar charges of animal cruelty.

The severity of the allegations, including animals being boiled and skinned alive, led the State Attorney's office to assign a special prosecutor to oversee the proceedings.

Prosecutors are working on consolidating the cases of the four defendants and anticipate filing additional criminal charges against them. A trial date was set for June 1st.

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