8 men accused in cockfight plead guilty

— Eight men accused in a northeast Arkansas cockfighting ring have pleaded guilty to possessing an instrument of a crime.

The men entered the pleas Monday during a hearing in Lake City. The Jonesboro Sun reported that the men were each given a 12-month suspended sentence and were fined $1,000.

Seven men were arrested Aug. 11 in Monette by Craighead County deputies who were investigating reports of a cockfighting operation.

An eighth man later turned himself to police.

Authorities recovered several cases with sharpened knifes that are attached to fighting chickens’ feet.

Seven of the men are from Leachville, while the eighth is from Blytheville.

Upcoming Events