A New Jersey resident has admitted guilt in a federal court in Cincinnati for his role in a conspiracy involving the creation and distribution of videos depicting severe violence and abuse against monkeys.

Court documents reveal that Giancarlo Morelli, from Wharton, collaborated with others to produce and share videos showing acts of extreme cruelty towards both baby and adult monkeys. The group reportedly used encrypted chat applications to send money to individuals in Indonesia who were willing to perform the requested acts on camera.

In a statement of facts signed by Morelli, it was disclosed that the videos included scenes where monkeys had their genitals burned and cut off.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman from the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio.