Woman Pleads Guilty to Paying for Sexual Torture Video of Baby Monkeys
An American woman has admitted to paying thousands of dollars to have others produce sexual torture videos involving adult and baby monkeys. Such sick videos are known as "animal crush videos." They show real monkeys being burned alive, having their genitals mutilated, and experiencing other atrocities.
Amanda Leigh Fourez, a US citizen from Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court to the offenses. The videos were made for the pleasure of an "animal crushing" ring and shared in their sick group.
"Fourez admitted to her role in making these horrific videos and posting them online," said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. "What kind of sick person would pay someone to make a video of sexualized animal torture? ICE will continue investigating these sadistic online groups and do everything in our power to stop them."
Fourez was a member of online chat groups dedicated to making, distributing and discussing violent and sexual videos of animals. She is not the first US citizen to plead guilty in this "animal-crushing" conspiracy ring.
Another member of these groups, Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos in early April.
"Producing and trafficking in animal crush videos is a serious federal crime," said United States Attorney Rivetti. "Intentionally inflicting harm and torture on innocent animals not only feeds a broader market of criminal depravity, it also often is linked to, or leads to, additional dangerous and violent conduct that further erodes society and public safety. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute all crimes involving violations of federal law relating to horrific acts of cruelty to animals."
ICE and the FBI investigated the case with a release claiming that Americans do not know the non-immigration-related work the agency does.
