Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Animal Crushing Videos

ICE News Releases

Filed March 16th, 2026

Detected March 16th, 2026

Summary

A Florida man, Francisco Javier Ravelo, pleaded guilty to distributing videos depicting the physical and sexual torture of monkeys. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated he faces up to seven years in prison for his crimes following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

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What changed

Francisco Javier Ravelo, a U.S. citizen from Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on March 2, 2026, to distributing over 40 videos depicting the physical and sexual torture of monkeys. Ravelo created and administered online chat groups dedicated to distributing and discussing such content. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, HSI Pensacola, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

This case highlights the federal government's commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in animal cruelty, particularly when distributed online. Ravelo faces a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison. The ICE Director's statement serves as a warning to others who acquire or distribute similar content, emphasizing that HSI will pursue and prosecute such offenders. Regulated entities and individuals should be aware that law enforcement agencies are actively investigating and prosecuting these crimes.

What to do next

Review internal policies regarding the creation, distribution, and possession of illegal or harmful content.
Ensure compliance with federal laws prohibiting animal cruelty and the distribution of violent content.
Report any suspicious online activities related to animal abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Penalties

Up to seven years in prison

Source document (simplified)

March 16, 2026 Washington, DC, United States Cyber Crimes

Florida man pleads guilty to distributing violent, sexual animal crushing videos following ICE investigation

The man created and administered online chat groups dedicated to distributing content and discussing heinous abuse of animals WASHINGTON — Florida man Francisco Javier Ravelo, a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty in federal court March 2 to distributing videos depicting the physical and sexual torture of monkeys. He faces up to seven years in prison for his crimes.

“Homeland Security Investigations pieced together the case that led to Ravelo’s guilty plea,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “He personally distributed more than 40 animal crushing videos to other people, but he didn’t count on HSI being able to track him down, pull together evidence and present it to the judge. Now he knows better. I hope this serves as a warning to others who acquire or distribute this kind of content: HSI will find you, and you’ll end up in federal court just like Ravelo did.”

According to court documents, Ravelo created and administered online chat groups dedicated to distributing and discussing sexual and violent videos involving monkeys being tortured. HSI New Orleans, HSI Pensacola, the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division investigated the case that led to Ravelo’s guilty plea.