A Mount Pleasant man has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to create and distribute “animal crush” videos.
“Animal crush” videos contain the violent torture of animals.
The Department of Justice says 44-year-old Joseph Buckland and others conspired to pay for the making of a video that shows monkeys purposely “crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury.”
The videos were distributed on chat groups and instant messaging apps.
Buckland admitted to sending money over 15 times to commission the videos and collecting money.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 29. Buckland faces up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
“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.”
“Today’s plea should serve as a warning: animal crush videos are illegal and we will prosecute individuals engaged in this sadistic behavior,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Investigating and prosecuting cases like this is not easy, and we commend all who worked to bring this perpetrator to justice.”
“Buckland’s decisions, actions, and financial investments directly contributed to the brutal torture of defenseless animals,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans. “Thanks to the diligent investigative efforts of our special agents, in collaboration with the FBI, he has now admitted his role and will face justice in federal court. HSI will continue to investigate these heinous crimes and work with our law enforcement partners, domestically and abroad, to identify, pursue, and hold offenders accountable.”
The 'animal crush' videos feature violent torture of animals
