Oregon Man Arrested After Skipping Court in Felony Cockfighting Case

By Lucille McNamara On Apr 30, 2026

An Oregon man, who failed to appear in court on a felony charge related to illegal cockfighting, has been arrested in Linn County.

Pheng Lunagaphay has been arraigned and will appear in a Lane County court on June 3, 2026.

Tidings Insight

When a defendant misses court in a felony case, the underlying charge does not disappear. The missed appearance can bring a warrant and a new court date.

Lunagaphay was originally arrested in 2023 at a home on Shoreview Drive, Dorena, where he was attending a cockfight.

According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Lunagaphay admitted guilt and was charged with a felony, but then failed to make a court appearance on the due date.

Tidings Insight

Oregon law treats participation in cockfighting as more than organizing the fight. Knowingly attending or paying admission can trigger a Class C felony.

At the time, Thongkhanh Phandanouvong was arrested after a search of the Dorena property, where the cockfight was taking place. He was charged with a felon in possession of a firearm and the illegal manufacture of a marijuana device.

He was sentenced to 20 days in jail and two years of supervised probation.