A Florida man nicknamed “The Monkey Whisperer” is once again facing legal troubles, this time for allegedly trafficking marmosets.
Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, 61, from Parrish, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and wildlife trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
His brother, Johnny D-Lane Hammonds, 59, of St. Petersburg, faces the same charges for his suspected role in the illegal wildlife trade.
Authorities believe the brothers were involved in transporting and selling marmosets, a tiny species of monkey, across Florida and Georgia.
Jimmy Hammonds has a history of similar offenses, with prior convictions in 2012 and 2022. At the time of his 2022 sentencing, Hammonds was running The Monkey Whisperer, LLC, a business breeding and selling exotic animals.
Investigators uncovered that he had sold endangered primates to buyers in multiple states, including Alabama and Wisconsin, and falsified records to hide his activities.
As a result of his previous conviction, Hammonds was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $90,000. Despite these penalties, the recent charges suggest continued involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Officials have emphasized that an indictment is a formal accusation, and the Hammonds brothers are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal trade of exotic animals and its impact on Conservation efforts.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 19 November 2024. Image Credit :Cesar Cruz Racing Brasil/Shutterstock.
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