(IID employee arrested)…John Matthew Chapelear was taken into custody Tuesday.

The Westmorland resident was arrested following a long investigation. He is facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Officials say there is a felony charge of cruelty to animals, as well as being in possession of materials and animals used in cock fighting. Chapelear posted the $100,000 bail and was released after being booked into County Jail. The arrest was part of an investigation into a cock fighting ring in Imperial County. The investigation is still underway. Officials say when it is complete, a criminal complaint will be filed with the District Attorney’s office.