Ohio man convicted of involvement in video distribution of monkey torture videos

An Ohio resident has been sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a network that produced and distributed videos depicting extreme violence against monkeys. Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, was involved in creating and sharing these disturbing videos via encrypted chat applications. He conspired with others to finance individuals in Indonesia who carried out torture on camera.

Court documents show Bedra sent a flash drive containing 64 videos depicting monkey torture to an accomplice in Wisconsin. These videos contain explicit content, such as severed limbs and forced sexual abuse with heated tools. Bedra entered a guilty plea in April.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division noted: “Defendant Ronald Bedra ordered grotesque videos of the torture of young monkeys and baby monkeys. There is no place for such abhorrent behavior in our society.” He emphasized the department’s willingness to vigorously prosecute similar cases.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio stated, “We will punish participants in sadistic conspiracies like this, regardless of their role in the crime.” He confirmed that promoting such animal abuse is subject to serious legal consequences.

Special Agent Elena Iatarola of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office commented on the seriousness of the case: “The torture of animals in this case is disturbing, cruel and illegal.” She assured continued efforts to protect animals and investigate those who cause harm.

Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasized their commitment to combating wildlife exploitation: “These monstrous crimes are indefensible.” The conviction serves as a warning against harming animals protected under federal and international law.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from Homeland Security Investigations. Attorney Mark Romley, Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environmental Crimes Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz are leading the prosecution.