Hermiston man sentenced to probation for cockfighting
By Griffin Beach on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 in Columbia Basin Top Stories More Top Stories
PENDLETON – A Hermiston man has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of felony cockfighting. 74-year-old Mario Quevedo Perez plead guilty as part of a plea deal at a hearing Thursday in Pendleton.
The charges stem from a December 2024 incident in which the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a cockfight in progress on Klaus Road in Hermiston in which more than 30 fighting roosters were seized. Perez was arrested in July as part of the investigation.
During Thursday’s change of plea hearing, it was mentioned by the prosecution that this was Perez’s fourth conviction for cockfighting, and it was stressed by Judge Jon Lieuallen that another charge could result in prison time for Perez.
As part of Perez’s plea deal he’s barred from owning any domestic animals for fifteen years, except for a dog that Perez already owned. He must complete an animal cruelty course and serve 75 hours of community service.
As part of the deal a second charge of cockfighting and one charge of participation in cockfighting were dismissed.
Photo from investigation courtesy of Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office
