Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Creating and Distributing Animal Crush Videos

Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to create and distribute "animal crush" videos. Buckland was charged on Feb. 26 with violating the federal Animal Crushing statute.

According to court documents and statements made in court during a change of plea hearing, Buckland was a member of several online chat groups and private payment groups dedicated to the creation, distribution, and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being tortured, including baby and adult monkeys having their limbs broken and genitals mutilated. Buckland personally collected money to create and distribute obscene torture videos.

"Today's plea should serve as a warning: animal crush videos are illegal, and we will prosecute individuals engaged in this sadistic behavior," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). "Investigating and prosecuting cases like this is not easy, and we commend all who worked to bring this perpetrator to justice."

"Producing and trafficking in animal crush videos is a serious federal crime," said United States Attorney Rivetti. "Intentionally inflicting harm and torture on innocent animals not only feeds a broader market of criminal depravity, it also often is linked to, or leads to, additional dangerous and violent conduct that further erodes society and public safety. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute all crimes involving violations of federal law relating to horrific acts of cruelty to animals."

"Buckland's decisions, actions, and financial investments directly contributed to the brutal torture of defenseless animals," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans. "Thanks to the diligent investigative efforts of our special agents, in collaboration with the FBI, he has now admitted his role and will face justice in federal court. HSI will continue to investigate these heinous crimes and work with our law enforcement partners, domestically and abroad, to identify, pursue, and hold offenders accountable."

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29. Buckland faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to create and/or distribute animal crush videos. A U.S. District Court judge will determine sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

HSI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Emily R. Stone of ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Locher for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.