Miami-Area Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Videos Depicting Sexual Torture of Baby Monkeys

Francisco Javier Ravelo, 36, of Coral Gables, Florida, pleaded guilty today to distributing videos depicting the torture of monkeys, in violation of the federal Animal Crushing statute. Ravelo was charged in October 2025.

According to court documents, Ravelo created some and administered some online chat groups dedicated to the distribution and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being mutilated and burned, including baby and adult monkeys. Ravelo personally distributed more than 40 of these obscene crush videos.

"In his first term, President Donald J. Trump signed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act into law to end animal crushing," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). "If you are involved in this sadistic activity, we will prosecute you."

"Our team worked diligently to ensure Ravelo was held accountable for his egregious crimes and to prevent further harm," said acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). "We are grateful for the collaboration that brought this case to resolution and Ravelo to justice."

Ravelo faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

HSI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Emily R. Stone of ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke E. Latta for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.