PITTSBURGH
An Illinois woman pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to a conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos, federal officials announced Wednesday
Amanda Leigh Fourez, 33, of Catlin, Illinois, pleaded guilty to two counts before U.S. District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.
Quick Facts
- Defendant: Amanda Leigh Fourez, 33, of Catlin, Illinois
- Charges: Two counts related to conspiracy and distribution
- Conduct: Funding and sharing animal crush videos
- Payments made: At least 11
- Distribution incidents: At least 10
- Sentencing date: August 27, 2026
- Maximum penalty: 7 years in prison, $500,000 fine
According to court documents, Fourez and others pooled money to commission videos depicting the torture and killing of animals, including monkeys. The videos were then shared with group members through online chat groups using an instant messaging application.
Fourez admitted she made at least 11 payments to fund the creation of the videos and distributed them on at least 10 occasions. Authorities said she also archived and managed the distribution of the material.
Another participant, Joseph Garrett Buckland of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy earlier this month.
Judge Wiegand scheduled Fourez’s sentencing for August 27.
Under federal law, Fourez faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $500,000 fine, or both.