Ohio man sentenced in monkey torture videos

Warning: This report contains details about animal abuse.

(WKBN) — An Ohio man was sentenced Thursday for creating violent and sexually abusive videos involving monkeys.

Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison after pleading guilty in April to conspiring with others to distribute the videos depicting acts of “sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys,” prosecutors said.

Bedra will also have to serve three years of supervised release when he get out of prison.

According to a statement of facts signed by defendant Bedra, the videos in question included depictions of monkeys having their digits and limbs severed and monkeys being forcibly sodomized with a heated screwdriver.

“Such appalling conduct has no place in our society. The Justice Department stands ready to prosecute individuals engaging in this activity to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Investigators said the crimes were part of online groups dedicated to creating and disturbing grotesque, violent and disturbing videos.

The FBI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case. Homeland Security Investigations provided critical assistance.

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