Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Monkey Torture Videos Under Federal Animal Cruelty Law

A 36-year-old man from Coral Gables, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing videos depicting the torture of monkeys, in violation of the federal animal crushing statute.

Francisco Javier Ravelo was originally charged in October 2025. According to court records, he admitted to distributing graphic videos involving the mutilation and burning of monkeys, including baby and adult animals.

Online Groups Dedicated to Violent Content

Prosecutors stated that Ravelo created and managed several online chat groups focused on sharing and discussing sexually explicit and violent videos involving monkeys. Court documents allege that he personally distributed more than 40 such videos.

Federal authorities described the content as obscene “crush” videos, a category of material criminalized under U.S. law due to its depiction of intentional animal torture.

Federal Officials Condemn Conduct

The case was brought under the federal animal crushing statute, strengthened by the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, which was signed into law by Donald J. Trump. The legislation expanded federal authority to prosecute acts involving extreme animal cruelty.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division emphasized that those engaged in producing or distributing such material would face prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida described the case as deeply disturbing, highlighting that deliberate cruelty toward animals is often recognized as a serious warning sign of violent behavior. He noted that the defendant not only viewed the material but also facilitated its distribution through online communities.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations said investigators worked to hold the defendant accountable and prevent further harm.

Potential Sentence

Ravelo faces a maximum sentence of up to seven years in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by the court at a later date.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.