In Jacksonville, Nicole Danielle Devilbiss, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce and distribute animal crush videos, announced United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Devilbiss faces up to five years in federal prison with a sentencing date yet to be determined.
Federal law defines animal crushing as the deliberate infliction of severe harm on living non-human animals.
According to court documents, in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jacksonville received a tip about an individual in the area who was managing a social media group dedicated to the abuse, torture, and killing of monkeys of various ages. Through their investigation, HSI discovered that group members exchanged numerous messages and videos depicting the abuse and torture of monkeys, with the aim of creating, sharing, and promoting animal crush videos featuring baby and adult monkeys. The group changed its name multiple times to evade detection by law enforcement.
The investigation led to the identification of Devilbiss as a member of the group. Law enforcement obtained messages and videos exchanged by Devilbiss and her co-conspirators. Devilbiss and others financed the production of these videos using online payment apps, with funds sent abroad to create the content. Between April 14, 2022, and May 23, 2023, Devilbiss made at least three payments for this purpose. Law enforcement traced these transactions to Devilbiss’s internet account at her residence.
A federal search warrant executed at Devilbiss’s residence resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices, which upon analysis, revealed multiple videos depicting the torture of monkeys.
The investigation was conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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