A New Jersey resident has admitted guilt in a federal court in Cincinnati for his role in a conspiracy involving online groups that produced and shared "animal crush" videos. These videos depicted severe violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Court documents reveal that Giancarlo Morelli, from Wharton, collaborated with others to create and distribute content showing brutal acts against both baby and adult monkeys. The group utilized encrypted chat applications to send money to individuals in Indonesia who agreed to perform the requested acts of torture on camera.
In a statement of facts signed by Morelli, it was disclosed that the videos included scenes where monkeys were subjected to having their genitals burned and severed.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the FBI.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman from the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, together with Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio, are leading the prosecution efforts in this case.