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‘Monkey Whisperer’ indicted on federal animal-trafficking charges

January 21, 2021 - U.S. Attorney Maria Lopez has indicted a Parrish resident, known as the “Monkey Whisperer,” on charges that violate the Lacey Act, a federal law against illegal trade in wildlife. Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, 57, has been charged with conspiracy, trafficking, submitting a false record, witness tampering and violating the Endangered Species Act. According to a news release, Hammonds is alleged to have illegally sold cotton-top tamarins, an endangered primate species. He’s also suspected of facilitating the transportation of a capuchin monkey from Florida to California, where ownership of such animals is illegal. If convicted of the charges, Hammonds could face more than 30 years in prison.

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