An Ohio resident has been sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a network that produced and distributed videos showing extreme violence against monkeys. Ronald P. Bedra, from Etna, was involved in creating and sharing these disturbing videos through encrypted chat applications. He conspired with others to finance individuals in Indonesia who carried out acts of torture on camera.
The court documents reveal that Bedra sent a thumb drive containing 64 videos depicting monkey torture to an accomplice in Wisconsin. These videos included graphic content such as severed limbs and forced sexual abuse with heated tools. Bedra entered a guilty plea in April.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division commented, “Defendant Ronald Bedra commissioned grotesque videos of torture of juvenile and baby monkeys. Such appalling conduct has no place in our society.” He emphasized the department's readiness to prosecute similar cases vigorously.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio stated, “We will punish participants of sadistic conspiracies like this one no matter their role in the crime.” He affirmed that promoting such animal abuse is subject to severe legal consequences.
Special Agent Elena Iatarola from the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office remarked on the case's severity: “The torture of animals in this case is disturbing, cruel and illegal.” She assured continued efforts to protect animals and investigate those causing harm.
Assistant Director Edward Grace from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted their commitment to combating wildlife exploitation: “These monstrous crimes are indefensible.” The sentencing serves as a warning against harming animals protected under federal and international laws.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from Homeland Security Investigations. Trial Attorney Mark Romley, Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman from the Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz are leading the prosecution.