A Florida man nicknamed “The Monkey Whisperer” is as soon as once more dealing with authorized troubles, this time for allegedly trafficking marmosets.
Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, 61, from Parrish, has been indicted by a grand jury on costs of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and wildlife trafficking, in accordance with the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace.
His brother, Johnny D-Lane Hammonds, 59, of St. Petersburg, faces the identical costs for his suspected function within the unlawful wildlife commerce.
Authorities imagine the brothers had been concerned in transporting and promoting marmosets, a tiny species of monkey, throughout Florida and Georgia.
Jimmy Hammonds has a historical past of comparable offenses, with prior convictions in 2012 and 2022. On the time of his 2022 sentencing, Hammonds was working The Monkey Whisperer, LLC, a enterprise breeding and promoting unique animals.
Investigators uncovered that he had bought endangered primates to consumers in a number of states, together with Alabama and Wisconsin, and falsified information to cover his actions.
Because of his earlier conviction, Hammonds was sentenced to 5 years of probation and fined $90,000. Regardless of these penalties, the current costs counsel continued involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Officers have emphasised that an indictment is a proper accusation, and the Hammonds brothers are presumed harmless till confirmed responsible in courtroom.
This case highlights ongoing issues in regards to the unlawful commerce of unique animals and its influence on Conservation efforts.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first printed by One Inexperienced Planet on 19 November 2024. Picture Credit score :Cesar Cruz Racing Brasil/Shutterstock.
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