In a case that has shocked and outraged animal lovers nationwide, Nicole Danielle DeVilbiss, 35, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the plea.
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DeVilbiss’s guilty plea carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, with a sentencing date yet to be determined.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated in September 2023 by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jacksonville.
Read: ‘It is sickening,’ Jacksonville mom arrested for conspiracy to create ‘animal crush’ videos
Authorities received information regarding an individual residing in Jacksonville who was allegedly the administrator of a social media group containing hundreds of messages, as well as videos dedicated to the abuse, torture, and death of baby and adult monkeys.
According to the plea agreement, DeVilbiss and numerous co-conspirators engaged in discussions and exchanged videos depicting the horrific torture, mutilation, and murder of animals, specifically targeting baby and adult monkeys.