A Washington state man is now facing a felony charge after authorities say he regularly traveled to Dorena, Oregon, to attend and bet on illegal cockfighting events.
Pheng Lunagaphay was initially identified during a 2023 search of a property on Shoreview Drive, where Lane County sheriff’s deputies uncovered an alleged cockfighting operation. According to investigators, Lunagaphay admitted he attended events at the site multiple times a year and wagered hundreds of dollars on the fights.
He was charged at the time but failed to appear in court, prompting a warrant for his arrest.
Authorities say Lunagaphay was taken into custody last week in Linn County and later transferred to Lane County. He has since been arraigned and is scheduled to return to court on June 3.
The case is tied to a broader investigation stemming from the same 2023 raid. During that operation, another suspect from Junction City was arrested and later convicted on multiple charges, including involvement in cockfighting, firearm possession as a felon, and unlawful marijuana production. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail and two years of supervised probation.
The investigation into illegal animal fighting and related activities in the area remains ongoing.
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