A CDFW investigation
“This is why we have CDFW officers – to protect our precious wildlife from harm, and to investigate individuals and acts that hurt or harass California’s wildlife. We are grateful to CDFW officers for the work they do to protect our natural resources, fish and wildlife.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
LOS ANGELES – On February 24, 2026, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that Cesar Gustavo Diaz, 25, of Los Angeles was sentenced in following a CDFW investigation into a case of animal cruelty involving a protected raptor.
In June 2025, Diaz captured a juvenile Cooper’s hawk at Amelia Mayberry Park in South Whittier. The case came to light after a video surfaced on YouTube showing Diaz pouring an alcoholic beverage into the bird’s mouth.
Concerned members of the public alerted CDFW, prompting an investigation by the Special Operations Unit. Wildlife officers executed five search warrants during the investigation. With the assistance of detectives from LASD Operation Safe Streets, Diaz, a convicted felon who was already in custody on unrelated charges, was identified and later interviewed. Diaz allegedly released the hawk prior to CDFW intervening.
Officers submitted the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as a felony animal cruelty case. Diaz was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty (PC 597(b)) and capturing/confining wildlife (FG 3005.5).
On Feb. 19, 2026, Diaz entered a no-contest plea to the animal cruelty charge. He was sentenced to:
- 12 months of summary probation,
- 45 days in Los Angeles County Jail (with credit for time served),
- 20 days of community labor,
- completion of a 24-session animal cruelty counseling program,
- five-year prohibition on possessing animals,
- ten-year firearm prohibition
- and payment of $220 in fines and fees.
Cooper’s hawks are protected under California and federal law. CDFW reminds the public that capturing, harming or harassing wildlife is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Anyone with information about wildlife crimes is encouraged to report them to CalTIP at 888-334-2258 or via the CalTIP app.
