Related Federal Cases
Nicholas T. Dryden, Animal Torture, Ohio 2023
A disturbing case of animal cruelty has come to light in the form of two individuals being charged for their involvement in online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys. The victims, ranging in age from baby to adult, suffered inhumane acts including genital burns, genital mutilation, sodomy, and other forms of sadistic torture.
Nicholas T. Dryden, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Giancarlo Morelli, of New Jersey, were charged this week with conspiracy to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with distributing animal crush videos. Dryden is also charged with the creation of animal crush videos, as well as with production, distribution, and receipt of a visual depiction of the sexual abuse of children.
According to court documents, in March and April 2023, the two co-defendants allegedly conspired to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent, and adult monkeys. The conspirators allegedly funneled money through Dryden, who then paid a minor in Indonesia to commit the requested acts on camera.
The videos alleged to have been created as part of the conspiracy included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned, having their genitals cut with scissors, being sodomized with a wooden skewer and being sodomized with a spoon. These heinous acts are a cruel reminder of the depths to which some individuals will sink to satisfy their twisted desires.
Nicholas T. Dryden’s charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, the charges related to the creation and distribution of animal crush videos each carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, and the charges of producing and distributing depictions of the sexual abuse of children each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case, with Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio making the announcement. Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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