Romanian accused of U.S. cockfights

Friday, June 13, 2014

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Romanian princess accused of participating in a cockfighting ring in rural Oregon is scheduled to plead guilty next month, court documents show.

Authorities say Irina Walker and her husband, a former sheriff ’s deputy, staged at least 10 cockfighting derbies between April 2012 and April 2013 at their ranch in Irrigon

— 175 miles east of Portland. Blades were attached to the birds’ legs, spectators were charged admission, and food and drink were sold, the indictment said. The fights allegedly brought in as much as $2,000 a day.

The Walkers were charged with unlawful animal fighting, conspiracy to violate the animal welfare act and operating an illegal gambling business. Both have change of plea hearings scheduled for July 16 in Portland.

Federal prosecutor Stephen Peifer confirmed that Irina Walker is scheduled to plead guilty, but declined comment when asked the terms of any plea agreement. Walker’s lawyer, Per Ramfjord, was out of the office Thursday and didn’t return a message.