14 Arrested in Raid of Texas ‘Bush Track’ After PETA Tipped Off Authorities to Drugging and Abuse of Horses

“Bush track” busted! A high-stakes raid of Carril Mochomos, an unsanctioned Quarter Horse track in Levelland, Texas, ended with the arrest of 14 individuals in connection with numerous offenses, including engaging in organized criminal activity, money laundering, unlawful racing, illegal gambling activity, and racketeering. Texas state officials found electrical shocking devices, illegal equine and human drugs, and large amounts of currency and seized 135 grams of cocaine as well as numerous gambling devices during the search of the property.

PETA Raised Red Flags on Seedy Texas Bush Tracks

This action follows PETA’s complaint to the Texas Department of Public Safety in April urging state authorities to investigate many apparent crimes at the more than 50 bush tracks in Texas, including the rampant drugging and abuse of horses. PETA also provided specific information to the agency about Carril Mochomos’ operations.

The Texas Department of Public Safety then launched an investigation into the track. At least nine defendants were indicted prior to the raid, based on evidence that the agency found and presented to a grand jury, plus five others on various charges, including promoting gambling and possession of cocaine.

The individuals indicted by the grand jury and arrested for allegedly organizing criminal activity include Daniel Avila, a jockey who’s licensed to race in New Mexico; prominent husband-and-wife bush racing broadcasters Ramon Garcia and Edna Hernández (aka “Edna Tello”); Cesar Pacheco, the operator of the track; and Delmy Lizette Rios-Guerrero, Pacheco’s partner.

The Deadly World of Underground Horse Racing

Crime and cruelty are rampant at underground Quarter Horse races, where attendees wager hundreds of thousands of dollars and trainers and jockeys drug, relentlessly whip, and electroshock horses to win at any cost. PETA’s previous investigation into unsanctioned racing in Georgia exposed illegal gambling; trainers and jockeys injecting horses with cocaine, meth, and other street drugs; the use of electroshock devices to make horses run faster; and the deaths of horses on the track. Our probe resulted in charges against seven people.

What You Can Do

You can take action for horses by helping PETA shut down unregulated tracks operating in Georgia: