NEW ORLEANS, LA – The depravity knows no bounds. Ariel Kornienko, 42, of Covington, Louisiana, is facing federal charges for allegedly distributing sickening animal crush videos online, the Department of Justice announced today. The videos, according to a bill of information, depict unimaginable acts of cruelty against monkeys.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson revealed that Kornienko was charged on July 23, 2025, with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 48(a)(3). The charges stem from the online distribution of videos showcasing the deliberate and brutal impaling of monkeys in the genitals, the penetration of the animals with inanimate objects, and the infliction of grievous bodily harm leading to their deaths. The specifics are stomach-churning, a testament to the darkest corners of the internet and the individuals who profit from suffering.
Federal investigators say Kornienko actively disseminated these videos, turning a profit from the exploitation of extreme animal abuse. The investigation, spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Group in conjunction with the HSI Wildlife and Environmental Unit, uncovered a disturbing pattern of distribution. Details of *how* these videos were spread remain under wraps, part of the ongoing investigation.
If convicted, Kornienko faces a substantial penalty: up to 7 years imprisonment, a hefty fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release following incarceration, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. But a charge is not a conviction. Simpson was quick to emphasize that a bill of information merely alleges wrongdoing, and the burden of proof rests squarely on the prosecution.
“The government must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” Simpson stated, a standard reminder in all federal cases, but particularly poignant given the horrific nature of the alleged crimes. This isn’t simply about illegal content; it’s about the calculated and deliberate infliction of unimaginable suffering on defenseless creatures.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution. This case serves as a grim reminder of the dark underbelly of the internet and the tireless work of federal agencies to bring those who engage in such heinous acts to justice. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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