(Scituate, Massachusetts, 2026-01-08) — A Massachusetts man was sentenced to 30 months in prison today for his role in a conspiracy to create and distribute videos depicting the torture of animals.
Garrett Fitzgerald, of Scituate, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” according to the Department of Justice.
- Garrett Fitzgerald was sentenced to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service.
- Fitzgerald conspired with others to fund the creation of videos showing the torture of monkeys in Indonesia.
- This sentencing follows similar punishments for co-conspirators Ronald Bedra and Robert Berndt.
Fitzgerald conspired with Ronald Bedra, Robert Berndt, and others to direct and send money to individuals in Indonesia, via encrypted chat, to create videos depicting violent torture of baby and adult monkeys, court documents show. The conspirators then distributed the videos to each other and online.
Robert Berndt was sentenced last month to 38 months in prison for his involvement in the scheme, while Ronald Bedra was previously sentenced to 54 months, according to the Justice Department.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the growing efforts by law enforcement to combat the disturbing online subculture surrounding “animal crush videos.” These videos, depicting intentional cruelty to animals, are illegal under federal law and are often linked to broader patterns of violent extremism. The coordinated, international nature of this conspiracy—involving individuals in the U.S. funding acts of cruelty abroad—demonstrates the challenges in addressing this type of criminal activity. The sentences handed down in these cases signal a commitment to prosecuting those involved in the creation and distribution of such content.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s (ENRD) Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting those who perpetrate and profit from the horrific abuse of animals,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the ENRD in a statement.
