Ohio Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Orchestrating Monkey Torture Videos Sold Through Online Groups
Nicholas Dryden paid Indonesian minor to create footage of baby primates being burned and mutilated, then distributed the videos to buyers
CINCINNATI — An Ohio man was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison today for his role in an international network that created and distributed videos depicting extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys, authorities announced.
Nicholas T. Dryden, of Cincinnati, was handed the 9-year term along with three years of supervised release for producing so-called “animal crush videos” and conspiring to create and distribute them, according to court documents.
In 2023, Dryden paid a minor residing in Indonesia to create videos of monkeys being tortured and abused, prosecutors said. He then sold the resulting footage through various online groups that he administered to numerous other individuals.
The videos included depictions of baby and adolescent monkeys being subjected to horrific acts, including having their genitals burned and cut off, according to statements of facts signed by Dryden.
“The conduct perpetrated by these defendants was reprehensible,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division. “Congress has said clearly that this conduct has no place in our society, and the Department of Justice stands ready to prosecute those who engaged in these heinous practices to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio condemned the scheme, emphasizing the global reach of Dryden’s actions.
“Dryden, who resided in Cincinnati, paid a minor on the other side of the world to film the torture and abuse of monkeys and then sold those videos to others,” Gerace said. “This sadistic and obscene conduct is unacceptable in any civilized society and Dryden will rightfully spend time in prison for his actions.”
Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement said the case represented an extraordinary level of cruelty.
“Orchestrating the deliberate torture and murder of baby primates is unconscionable,” Ault said. “Our agents worked tirelessly to support the pursuit of justice. Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and sends a clear warning to anyone who would commit such acts: we will find you, and you will be held accountable.”
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Probation for Bringing Roosters to Rhode Island Cockfighting Ring
Luis Castillo pleaded guilty to violating Animal Welfare Act after traveling across state lines with birds for fighting, wagering, and entertainment
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Massachusetts man was sentenced to two years of probation today in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation that involved transporting roosters across state lines for animal fighting.
Luis Castillo, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. Dubose for the District of Rhode Island after previously pleading guilty on Jan. 21 to violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with the operation.
As part of his plea, Castillo admitted that he traveled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island with roosters to participate in cockfighting for sport, wagering, and entertainment, according to court records.
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