Eric Thomas Scionti, a 36-year-old resident of Tempe, has been sentenced to 47 months in prison by United States District Judge John J. Tuchi. This will be followed by three years of supervised release. Scionti pleaded guilty on October 3, 2024, to charges of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person and Animal Crushing in two separate cases.

Federal agents executed a search warrant on January 18, 2023, leading to the seizure of six firearms and 1,826 rounds of ammunition from areas under Scionti's control. Scionti was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to previous felony convictions in Arizona.

On September 29, 2023, federal agents were authorized to search records linked to Scionti’s email account. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 168 videos and 89 digital photographs showing Scionti torturing and mutilating live pigeons.

The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while the prosecutions were managed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix.