HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Once surrounded by majestic big cats and adoring fans, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle’s entourage today is one of lawyers and judges.
On Tuesday, the co-star of Netflix’s runaway docuseries hit “Tiger King” was handed a 12-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Dawson III after pleading guilty in November 2023 to federal conspiracy and money laundering charges.
Antle admitted to violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish, or plants, including federally protected animal species.
Antle’s rise and fall captured international headlines and brought more attention to the world of big cat breeding and training — oftentimes done outside of the law with black market help…