Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing Disturbing Animal Videos

An Illinois resident has admitted to paying thousands of dollars to produce so-called “animal crush videos,” which featured graphic depictions of both adult and baby monkeys being subjected to horrific acts. This disturbing content was shared among members of an online chat group known for such behaviors.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Monday that Amanda Lee Forez, a U.S. citizen from Illinois, pleaded guilty earlier this month to conspiracy related to the production and distribution of these videos. The press release described gruesome scenes, including instances where monkeys were burned alive and mutilated.

“Forez commissioned custom videos featuring sexual torture of monkeys and spread these obscene materials over the Internet,” the Department of Justice reported. They emphasized that she not only paid for these videos but also managed their distribution.

ICE indicated that Forez was actively involved in multiple online groups that focused on creating and discussing similar violent videos.

Another individual, Joseph Garrett Buckland from Pennsylvania, recently pleaded guilty as well to conspiracy charges tied to animal crush videos. He was indicted for violating federal animal destruction laws back in February.

A law passed in 2010, later updated in 2019, prohibits videos depicting animal abuse for sexual gratification, addressing the need for stronger protections against such content.

The investigations regarding Forez were carried out by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, along with the FBI. ICE oversees a broad range of federal laws, including those against cybercrime.

Forez could face up to five years behind bars for the conspiracy charge and potentially seven years, along with a fine of up to $500,000, for the distribution charge. The actual sentencing will be determined by the judge, who will take various factors into account. Notably, Fox News Digital reached out to ICE for further details on Forez’s sentencing but did not receive a response.

ICE Director Todd M. Lyons commented, “Forez has admitted her involvement in the creation and distribution of these horrific videos online.” He expressed concern over the mindset of individuals who participate in such cruel acts and confirmed that investigations aimed at dismantling these online groups will continue.