Irina Walker, a princess in the defunct Romanian monarchy, is among the several people who have been arrested in Oregon in connection with operating a cockfighting ring. Irina’s husband, John Wesley Walker, a former sheriff’s deputy, was also arrested along with four other people.
The couple were accused of hosting cockfighting derbies and illegal gambling at their ranch outside Irrigon, Morrow Country.
The Oregonian newspaper identified Irina Walker, also known as Irina Kreuger, as the daughter of the last king of Romania.
“Cockfighting is illegal under federal law and under the laws of all 50 states,” said Amanda Marshall, US attorney for Oregon. “Besides being a barbaric practice, cockfights jeopardize public health and safety and facilitate the commission of other criminal acts.”
The indictment said that 10 different cockfighting derbies were held at the Walkers’ ranch, bringing in as much as 2,000 USD a day. Gaffs were attached to the fighting roosters‘ legs, spectators were charged admission, and food and drinks were also sold at the property.
A couple of months after her arrest, Irina and her husband pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business.
US district judge Michael Mosman sentenced Irina and her husband to probation after Irina apologized for her role in a cockfighting enterprise in the US. She said that she had brought shame to her and her family.
“I’m very sorry about my involvement in this business,” Irina Walker told a federal judge. “It was not my intention to go against the law.”
The Walkers agreed to sell their property and pay 200,000 USD to the government as part of the plea deal.
