Florida man pleads guilty to distributing violent, sexual animal crushing videos following ICE investigation
The man created and administered online chat groups dedicated to distributing content and discussing heinous abuse of animals
WASHINGTON / March 16, 2026 — Florida man Francisco Javier Ravelo, a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty in federal court March 2 to distributing videos depicting the physical and sexual torture of monkeys. He faces up to seven years in prison for his crimes.
“Homeland Security Investigations pieced together the case that led to Ravelo’s guilty plea,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “He personally distributed more than 40 animal crushing videos to other people, but he didn’t count on HSI being able to track him down, pull together evidence and present it to the judge. Now he knows better. I hope this serves as a warning to others who acquire or distribute this kind of content: HSI will find you, and you’ll end up in federal court just like Ravelo did.”
According to court documents, Ravelo created and administered online chat groups dedicated to distributing and discussing sexual and violent videos involving monkeys being tortured. HSI New Orleans, HSI Pensacola, the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division investigated the case that led to Ravelo’s guilty plea.
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Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)
