Source: Fox News
Summary
Amanda Leigh Fourez, a U.S. citizen from Illinois, pleaded guilty to distributing and conspiracy to create and distribute “animal crush videos” that depicted monkeys being mutilated and tortured. She paid thousands of dollars to commission these videos, which were shared in online chat groups. Fourez faces up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Another individual, Joseph Garrett Buckland, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to create and distribute similar videos.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Fourez’s guilty plea follows a familiar pattern of online exploitation. The investigation involved ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, who tracked down Fourez and Buckland through online chat groups. The case highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty videos being created and distributed online. The Department of Justice emphasized the severity of the crimes, with ICE Director Todd M. Lyons condemning the “sadistic online groups” involved. The sentencing will be determined by a judge, following the sentencing guidelines.
The case serves as a reminder that online platforms can facilitate exploitation and cruelty, and that law enforcement agencies are working to combat these crimes.
Author: Evan Null
