Cockfighting Ring Leader Sentenced For Meth Dealing In South Jersey: Officials

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ — A cockfighting ring leader was sentenced to prison Monday for methamphetamine dealing and weapons offenses, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO).

Jimmy Hadden was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an overlapping prison term of five years, with parole eligibility 3.5 years into the latter term. He also agreed to forfeit a 2007 Chevy Tahoe and money obtained from the offenses as part of a plea deal reached in May.

A few years ago, authorities determined that Hadden and his father, Jaime Ferrer, ran in illegal gambling ring involving rooster fights. During the investigation, Hadden sold meth to an undercover officer, the CCPO said. Law enforcement seized more than a pound of the substance and about $180,000.

Hadden, 50, of Greenwich, was charged in May 2021 with several offenses related to drug possession, distribution, weapons and promoting gambling.

Last May, he pleaded guilty to first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) with intent to distribute and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Hadden was also 1 of 52 people charged for involvement in a cockfighting ring last March in Galloway.