Eric Thomas Scionti, a 36-year-old resident of Tempe, Arizona, has been sentenced to 47 months in prison by United States District Judge John J. Tuchi. This will be followed by three years of supervised release. Scionti pleaded guilty on October 3, 2024, to charges of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person and Animal Crushing in two separate cases.
The case began on January 18, 2023, when federal agents executed a search warrant at a residence controlled by Scionti. They seized six firearms and 1,826 rounds of ammunition. Scionti was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to previous felony convictions under Arizona state law.
Further investigation occurred on September 29, 2023, when federal agents obtained authorization to search records associated with Scionti’s email account. During this search, they discovered approximately 168 videos and 89 digital photographs showing Scionti torturing and mutilating live pigeons.
The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecutions were managed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix.