Florida man known as ‘Monkey Whisperer’ accused of trafficking primates
A Florida man who goes by the nickname “the Monkey Whisperer” has been charged with illegally transporting and selling primates, including one of the most endangered species in the world, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Jimmy Hammonds, 57, became the target of a federal investigation in late 2017, when he allegedly sold a capuchin monkey for about $12,000, according to an indictment unsealed this week. He’s also accused of selling cotton-top tamarins, a critically endangered primate, to buyers in multiple states.
The Parrish resident, who runs a wildlife breeding business called The Monkey Whisperer, LLC, coordinated the illegal sale and transportation of a capuchin monkey from Florida to California with the help of individuals who were not allowed to possess such an animal in either state, authorities said.
Federal agents discovered and seized the monkey in early January 2018, about three months after the transaction.
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During the investigation, prosecutors learned that Hammonds had also sold cotton-top tamarins to people in Alabama, South Carolina and Wisconsin, according to the indictment. The suspect allegedly concealed his actions by submitting false records to an officer and trying to persuade a witness to lie to authorities about his dealings.
Hammonds was charged with conspiracy, trafficking and submitting a false record in violation of the Lacey Act, a federal law involving the illegal trade in wildlife. He was also charged with violating the Endangered Species Act and witness tampering.
If convicted on all charges, he could face more than 25 years in prison.
Hammonds did not return a request seeking comment Thursday.
