Ohio Man Sentenced for Creating and Distributing Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and Mutilation

An Ohio man was sentenced today to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.

According to court documents, Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, conspired with others to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. The conspirators used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to commit the requested acts of torture on camera. Bedra also mailed a thumb drive containing 64 videos of monkey torture to a co-conspirator in Wisconsin.

According to a statement of facts signed by defendant Bedra, the videos in question included depictions of monkeys having their digits and limbs severed and monkeys being forcibly sodomized with a heated screwdriver. Bedra pleaded guilty in April.

"Defendant Ronald Bedra commissioned grotesque videos of torture of juvenile and baby monkeys," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "Such appalling conduct has no place in our society. The Justice Department stands ready to prosecute individuals engaging in this activity to the fullest extent of the law."

"We will punish participants of sadistic conspiracies like this one no matter their role in the crime," said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. "As this case shows, even if you do not commit the torture firsthand, you will be held accountable for promoting this obscene animal abuse."

"The torture of animals in this case is disturbing, cruel and illegal," said Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola of FBI's Cincinnati Field Office. "The FBI and our partners will continue to work to protect defenseless animals and investigate those who intentionally harm them."

"Today's sentencing underscores the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's unwavering commitment to combating the exploitation of wildlife in any form," said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement. "These monstrous crimes are indefensible. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who harm animals protected under federal and international laws and treaties will face serious consequences. We continue to work diligently with our partners to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in these cruel activities to the fullest extent of the law."

The FBI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case. Homeland Security Investigations provided critical assistance.

Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.