By Dan Johnson
Jockey Roberto Morales has been suspended pending a hearing by Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino stewards after law enforcement officials charged him with possession of an unlawful electrical device.
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agents conducted a random search of four jockeys as they arrived prior to Prairie Meadows' June 6 races. According to the DCI, three had nothing improper, but Morales was charged with three criminal offenses: possession of three working and two non-working buzzers; illegal possession of a firearm; and illegal possession of a prescription drug.
Morales, 24, was sent to Polk County Jail, where he posted bond and was released. He is in his first season of riding at Prairie Meadows, where he has won four of 79 starts. He started riding in 2011 and has 237 victories in 2,044 career races with more than $4 million in earnings.