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Coral Gables, FL - A South Florida man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges tied to the distribution of graphic videos depicting the torture of monkeys, according to prosecutors.
The case was brought under a federal statute that criminalizes the creation and distribution of so called animal crushing content.
Court records show the defendant, a Coral Gables resident, admitted to distributing multiple videos that depicted extreme acts of violence against baby and adult monkeys.
Federal prosecutors alleged that he used online platforms and group chats to circulate the material and communicate with others who sought similar content.
Investigators said the videos included acts of abuse that fall under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, a federal law designed to address the intentional depiction of severe harm to animals.
According to charging documents, the defendant allegedly helped manage online groups where such material was shared and promoted.
Authorities stated that more than 40 videos were distributed as part of the conduct outlined in the case.
The investigation was led by federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations.
The defendant entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court and now faces a potential sentence of up to seven years in federal prison.
Sentencing will be determined at a later date by a federal judge.
The allegations and plea are documented in federal court filings.
No additional arrests were announced in connection with the case, and the matter remains pending final sentencing proceedings.