A Cincinnati man was sentenced to nine years in federal prison Tuesday for his central role in an international ring dedicated to the production and distribution of graphic videos depicting the torture of monkeys.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the case involved the payment of a minor in Indonesia to carry out sadistic acts for an online audience.
Nicholas T. Dryden, 34, received a sentence of 108 months followed by three years of supervised release.
The sentencing, announced by federal officials, concludes a case that highlighted the dark underbelly of “animal crush” content on the internet.
As reported by the Office of Public Affairs, Dryden was convicted of creating animal crush videos and conspiring to distribute them through online groups he administered.
Court documents revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation that spanned across the globe.
Per the Department of Justice, Dryden used his position as an administrator of several online groups to facilitate the creation and sale of this illicit content.
In 2023, he established a relationship with a minor in Indonesia, paying the individual to film the torture and abuse of monkeys.
The resulting footage was then sold to numerous individuals within the groups Dryden managed.
The nature of the videos was described by investigators as exceptionally violent.
According to a statement of facts signed by Dryden, the footage depicted both baby and adolescent monkeys subjected to various forms of mutilation.
The documents detailed horrific acts, including the burning and removal of the animals’ genitals.
In a statement reflecting the severity of the crimes, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division emphasized that such actions would not be tolerated.
Describing the legal stance of the government, Gustafson said, “The conduct perpetrated by these defendants was reprehensible. Congress has said clearly that this conduct has no place in our society, and the Department of Justice stands ready to prosecute those who engaged in these heinous practices to the fullest extent of the law”.
The case also drew sharp condemnation from local federal prosecutors who handled the regional aspects of the investigation in Ohio. U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio noted the geographical reach and sadistic nature of Dryden’s operations.
Commenting on the unacceptable nature of the crimes, Gerace said, “Dryden, who resided in Cincinnati, paid a minor on the other side of the world to film the torture and abuse of monkeys and then sold those videos to others. This sadistic and obscene conduct is unacceptable in any civilized society and Dryden will rightfully spend time in prison for his actions”.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Officials noted that the case represents a broader commitment to enforcing animal welfare laws and protecting vulnerable species from international trafficking and abuse rings.
Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement provided a stark assessment of the case’s impact on the agents involved.
Speaking on the moral weight of the investigation, Ault said, “This was an extraordinarily disturbing and heinous case of animal cruelty. Orchestrating the deliberate torture and murder of baby primates is unconscionable. Our agents worked tirelessly to support the pursuit of justice. Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and sends a clear warning to anyone who would commit such acts: we will find you, and you will be held accountable”.
The prosecution of the case was led by Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Energy and Natural Resources Division. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio also contributed to the legal proceedings.
According to court records, the case was updated as of July 21, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Department of Justice’s efforts to curb the creation of animal crush materials.
This conviction is part of a larger push by federal agencies to monitor and dismantle online communities that profit from the abuse of wildlife.
The Department of Justice highlighted related efforts in other regions, such as the sentencing of individuals involved in cockfighting operations and the ongoing cooperation with Indonesian authorities to spot illegal wildlife trafficking.
Official reports indicate that the term “animal crush” refers to content where animals are tortured or killed for the gratification of viewers. Federal law has increasingly targeted the production and distribution of such materials, categorizing them under severe criminal statutes due to the inherent cruelty and the link to other forms of exploitation.
Authorities confirmed that Dryden’s sentence is intended to serve as a deterrent to others participating in these online networks.