Samuel J. Webster, Animal Torture, Utah 2021

In a shocking case of animal cruelty, Samuel J. Webster, 18, of Woods Cross, Utah, has been charged with 23 felony counts related to the alleged torture of four guinea pigs obtained from pet supply stores across the Wasatch Front.

According to allegations in the Indictment, Webster obtained the four guinea pigs from pet supply stores in Farmington, Salt Lake City, and West Jordan in October 2021. Shortly thereafter, it is alleged that Webster posted 23 videos of himself torturing the guinea pigs and posted the videos to multiple YouTube accounts.

The term “animal crush video” as defined under federal law, makes it illegal to depict, via photograph, motion-picture film, video, digital recording or electronic image, actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury, and is obscene.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. FBI Special Agents are conducting the investigation.

An Indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.

Webster was charged with 18 felony counts of distributing animal crush videos on YouTube, one felony count of creating an animal crush video, and four felony counts of animal crushing.

The case is ongoing, and Webster’s current status is not available.

As the investigation continues, the community is left to wonder how someone could inflict such cruelty on innocent animals.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Samuel J. Webster, 18, of Woods Cross, Utah; Exact Criminal Charges: 23 felony counts related to the alleged torture of four guinea pigs and distributing animal crush videos on YouTube; City and State: Salt Lake City, Utah; Exact Date: October 2021; Sentence or Outcome: Ongoing investigation.

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