An Alabama woman, Stacey Storey, has admitted to her involvement in a conspiracy to create and distribute videos depicting animal torture. According to court documents, Storey, 49, along with her co-conspirators, used private online chat groups on an encrypted messaging platform to finance and share these disturbing videos.
The group funded the production of the videos by collaborators outside the United States who carried out acts of torture and mutilation on juvenile and adult monkeys. These acts were recorded and sent back to Storey and others in the U.S., who then distributed them within their online community.
Between August 2021 and July 2022, Storey received numerous electronic payments from fellow conspirators. These funds were used for producing new videos by videographers located abroad. Storey communicated directly with a collaborator in Indonesia responsible for hiring these videographers, instructing them on how to carry out the acts depicted in the videos.
On June 21, 2022, Storey shared a video showing the torture of a juvenile monkey using ants and an object that led to its death. She commented alongside this distribution: “Enjoy this one ladies and gents,” suggesting viewers send donations as a bonus for fulfilling their requests.
In June 2023, law enforcement seized Storey's electronic devices which contained over 675 videos and more than 11,000 images related to animal crushing activities.
Several co-conspirators have also faced legal consequences. Michael Macartney from Chesapeake pleaded guilty earlier in April 2024 and was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment in October of that year. Jeffrey Radtke from Bloomington entered his guilty plea in September 2024; he awaits sentencing scheduled for February 13 with a potential five-year prison term. Drexel Venero from Rockville pled guilty last December; his sentencing is set for April 22 this year.
Storey's sentencing is slated for June 10 where she could face up to five years behind bars; however, federal sentences are often less than maximum penalties after judicial review based on guidelines.
The announcement was made by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, alongside Kai Wah Chan from Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C., following Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes's acceptance of Storey's plea deal.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is handling prosecution duties for this case.
Further details can be accessed through official channels including the U.S Attorney’s Office website or via PACER under Case No. 2:24-cr-103.