JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Westmoreland County man pleaded guilty in federal court to making animal crush videos for money.

Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to create and distribute “animal crush” videos. He was charged Feb. 26 with violating the federal Animal Crushing statute, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti

Court documents and statements made during Buckland’s change of plea hearing show that he was a member of several online chat groups and private payment groups dedicated to the creation and distribution of violent videos depicting monkeys being tortured. This also included video of a baby and an adult having their limbs broken and genitals mutilated. Buckland personally collected money to create and distribute the videos.

“Today’s plea should serve as a warning: animal crush videos are illegal, and we will prosecute individuals engaged in this sadistic behavior,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Investigating and prosecuting cases like this is not easy, and we commend all who worked to bring this perpetrator to justice.”

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“Producing and trafficking in animal crush videos is a serious federal crime,” Rivetti added. “Intentionally inflicting harm and torture on innocent animals not only feeds a broader market of criminal depravity, it also often is linked to, or leads to, additional dangerous and violent conduct that further erodes society and public safety. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute all crimes involving violations of federal law relating to horrific acts of cruelty to animals.”

Buckland is facing a maximum of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29.

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