A Miami-area man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after admitting to distributing graphic videos depicting the torture, mutilation and sexual abuse of baby monkeys through private online groups.
The Francisco Javier Ravelo, of Coral Gables, Florida, was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors said Ravelo pleaded guilty in March to distributing more than 40 “animal crush videos” in violation of federal animal cruelty laws.
According to court documents, Ravelo owned and administered several invitation-only online chat groups dedicated to sharing and discussing videos showing extreme violence against monkeys. Prosecutors said the videos included acts of torture, mutilation and sexual abuse involving baby monkeys.
During sentencing, the court found that Ravelo acted as a leader and organizer within the online groups by controlling access and moderating discussions. The judge described the material as “evil” and said the sentence was intended to send a strong message that society would not tolerate the distribution of such content.
“The production and distribution of obscene animal crush videos is a felony,” said Adam Gustafson, principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Environment and Natural Resources Division.
“In passing the Animal Crushing statute, Congress recognized that cruelty to animals desensitizes participants to the suffering of human beings,” Gustafson added.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright said authorities would continue pursuing individuals involved in hidden online communities promoting animal abuse.
“Even when offenders use advanced technology and exclusive, invitation-only groups to hide their illegal activities, HSI will relentlessly pursue them and ensure they are held accountable,” Wright said.
The case was prosecuted by the Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
