CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — “Tiger King” personality Bhagavan “Doc” Antle will be sent to jail — though not for the duration prosecutors had requested — following his admission of…
broke federal law
purchasing threatened animals to display at his zoo located in South Carolina.
Antle, aged 65, received a sentence of one year and one day in prison along with a fine of $55,000 on Tuesday, almost two years following his…
pleaded guilty
involved in the trade of rare animals and financial fraud. He submitted his guilty plea in November 2023.
It probably marked the conclusion of the legal battles surrounding “Tiger King,” the Netflix true crime documentary that seized the attention of a nation under lockdown due to COVID-19.
The celebrity, Joe Exotic, is currently incarcerated for 21 years.
federal prison sentence
For attempting to hire two separate individuals to murder the other celebrity, Carole Baskin. Exotic, whose actual name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was an enthusiast and owner of a private animal collection based in Oklahoma, while Baskin operates Big Cat Rescue in Florida.
Antle participated in the initial season alongside Exotic and Baskin and became the highlight of the show’s third season.
Authorities claim Antle purchased animals through illegal channels
The offenses committed by Antle had no connection to one another. According to prosecutor Patrick Duggan, he engaged in money laundering for funds involved in a human trafficking operation since he required substantial sums of money urgently to purchase wildlife such as chimpanzees, lions, tigers, cheetahs, and various other species. As these animals are prohibited from being sold due to their protected status, Duggan noted that their expensive value might motivate poachers to capture them from natural habitats.
” He intentionally and unlawfully traded them as part of an underground network that fuels another illegal trade involving hunting and trafficking,” Duggan stated in court on Tuesday.
The attorneys for Antle asked for a sentence involving only probation or house arrest, stating that their client must look after the 150 rare creatures at his Myrtle Beach Safari, which require 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of meat daily. They mentioned that several of the animals react exclusively to Antle.
Relatives and friends plead for clemency for Antle
Approximately 25 friends and relatives filled a federal court room in Charleston. Many shared with Judge Joseph Dawson III that Antle was kind-hearted and giving. They mentioned that he helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to combat poaching and protect natural environments for tigers, lions, and chimps.
The judge was influenced. According to federal guidelines, a sentence of approximately two years in jail was recommended, an agreement reached by the prosecutors. However, Dawson stated that even though Antle violated federal law, all the evidence indicated he had concern for animals.
At the conclusion of his sentencing hearing, Antle expressed regret for disrupting the integrity of his lifelong career.
I made an error, I acted foolishly,” Antle stated, continuing, “I hope I can manage to put everything back together for everyone.
Antle required wildlife so Myrtle Beach Safari could provide activities
Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari gained notoriety for charging substantial fees—hundreds or even thousands of dollars—for visitors to touch and interact with infant animals such as lions, tigers, and monkeys who were too young to be weaned. Guests could spend $200 for five minutes of interaction with a baby chimpanzee along with photo opportunities, or fork over $7,000 for an overnight stay. At times, Antle would enter tour sessions atop an elephant.
The zoo continues to operate with reservations required.
Authorities stated that Antle sold or purchased cheetahs, lions, tigers, and a chimp without the necessary documentation over ten years. They added that he concealed more than $500,000 to easily obtain funds for purchasing additional wildlife.
Antle has a strong understanding of federal laws and managed to evade legal consequences for many years, according to officials. He accepted substantial “contributions” from individuals for animals donated to his wildlife preservation organization. He asserted that the animals remained within the state where they were purchased, yet moved them instead to his zoo located in Myrtle Beach, as stated by prosecutors.
The FBI intercepted telephone conversations resulted in multiple convictions.
The FBI was monitoring Antle’s telephone conversations through an undercover agent when he mentioned that a baby chimp might typically cost $200,000. Small-scale animal keepers often make large sums from pictures with calm young monkeys or other creatures, yet this earning period lasts just a short time until the animals become too big to manage comfortably.
“I needed to acquire a monkey, but the individuals wouldn’t accept a check. They only want cash. So what can you do?” Antle stated as per a transcript from the telephone conversation included in legal documents.
Antle must relinquish three chimpanzees he acquired as part of his legal agreement.
Two workers from Antle’s company have already received punishment for their involvement in his plans.
Meredith Bybee received one year of probation for selling a chimp, whereas Andrew “Omar” Sawyer, whom prosecutors claimed assisted Antle with money laundering, was sentenced to two years of probation.
Jason Clay, who runs a private zoo in Texas, admitted guilt for unlawfully selling a monkey and received a sentence of four months behind bars, whereas the charges against California ranch operator Charles Sammut were dismissed.
