In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, two men have been charged for their alleged participation in online groups dedicated to the torture and mutilation of monkeys.
Law enforcement authorities became aware of the group’s activities through an international investigation, leading to the identification and arrest of Nicholas T. Dryden, of Ohio, and Giancarlo Morelli, of New Jersey.
Evidence collected from their online communications and seized devices revealed disturbing content depicting the horrific abuse of monkeys.
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According to court documents, in March and April 2023, the two co-defendants allegedly conspired to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent and adult monkeys.
The conspirators allegedly funneled money through Dryden, who then paid the minor in Indonesia to commit the requested acts on camera.
The videos alleged to have been created as part of the conspiracy included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned, having their genitals cut with scissors, being sodomized with a wooden skewer and being sodomized with a spoon.
Animal rights activists and organizations have expressed outrage over the case, calling for stricter laws and penalties for animal cruelty. They emphasize the importance of addressing the growing issue of animal abuse online and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, the charges related to the creation and distribution of animal crush videos each carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and the charges of producing and distributing depictions of the sexual abuse of children each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
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