Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty in Disturbing Animal Torture Video Case

An Illinois woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges after paying thousands of dollars to commission videos depicting the torture of monkeys, in a disturbing case that highlights the dark corners of online criminal activity.

Amanda Leigh Fourez, a U.S. citizen, entered guilty pleas earlier this month to charges of distributing and conspiracy to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos” – graphic depictions of animals being tortured for viewers’ sexual gratification. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the videos Fourez commissioned contained deeply disturbing content, including monkeys being burned alive and subjected to genital mutilation.

“Fourez paid thousands of dollars to commission bespoke sexual torture videos of monkeys, and later she distributed the obscene crush videos over the Internet,” the Department of Justice stated in their press release. “Fourez archived and controlled the distribution of animal crush videos.”

Federal investigators revealed that Fourez was actively involved in several online chat groups and private payment channels specifically dedicated to the production, distribution, and discussion of these videos. Her case is part of a broader investigation that has already led to other arrests.

Joseph Garrett Buckland of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, was also implicated in the investigation and recently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos. Buckland was charged in February under the federal Animal Crushing statute.

The legal framework for prosecuting these cases stems from legislation passed by Congress in 2010, which specifically banned videos depicting acts of animal cruelty created to satisfy sexual fetishes. This law was strengthened in 2019 to criminalize the acts themselves, not just the recording and distribution of such content.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans Cyber and Human Exploitation Investigations unit worked alongside the FBI to build the case against Fourez. The investigation demonstrates the expanded scope of ICE’s law enforcement responsibilities, which include over 400 federal laws and statutes, including various cybercrimes.

“Fourez admitted to her role in making these horrific videos and posting them online,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “What kind of sick person would pay someone to make a video of sexualized animal torture? ICE will continue investigating these sadistic online groups and do everything in our power to stop them.”

The legal consequences for Fourez could be substantial. She faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and up to seven years for the distribution charge, with potential fines reaching $500,000. The final sentence will be determined by a judge after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors.

This case underscores the growing concern about extreme animal cruelty facilitated through online networks. Animal welfare organizations have long warned about the connection between animal abuse and other violent behaviors. The investigation also highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods federal agencies are employing to track and prosecute crimes that occur in encrypted online spaces.

Law enforcement experts note that these types of investigations are particularly challenging due to the secretive nature of the online communities involved and the technical measures participants often take to conceal their identities and activities.

The prosecution of Fourez represents part of a broader effort by federal authorities to combat animal cruelty crimes that intersect with internet technologies. As digital platforms continue to evolve, law enforcement agencies are adapting their investigative techniques to address these emerging forms of criminal behavior that exploit both animals and technology.