Latest news with #MyrtleBeachSafari
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Tiger King' star Doc Antle gets prison time for trafficking endangered animals
Doc Antle, a Myrtle Beach Safari operator known for his appearance in Netflix's "Tiger King," has been sentenced for wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Bhagavan "Doc" Antle pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in federal prison and three years of probation, according to a Department of Justice press release on Tuesday, July 8. Antle, 64, also must pay a $55,000 fine and forfeit three chimpanzees and nearly $200,000 to the government. Prosecutors say Antle laundered over $500,000 in cash tied to an operation smuggling Mexican immigrants across the U.S. border. Officials described the operation as "unlawful and unethical," saying Antle and others falsified records, funneled transactions through nonprofits and purchased and sold newborn endangered species, including baby chimpanzees, cheetahs, lions and tigers, "all while promoting themselves as conservationists," Adam Gustafson, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division, said. 'Tiger King' star pleads guilty to conspiring to money laundering, breaking federal law Two men involved in the operation, Jason Clay and Andrew Sawyer, have also been sentenced. One woman, Shaylynn Kolwyck-Peterson, pleaded guilty in June for illegally selling Antle a chimpanzee for $200,000. The Myrtle Beach exotic wildlife safari still appears to be open, but only by reservation. Antle's safari was featured in the hit 2020 Netflix series and a brief 2021 spinoff, "Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story." 'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic is married: 'Meet my husband' "Tiger King" also made a star of Joe Exotic, born Joseph Maldonado. He was similarly convicted of crimes involving his animals, as well as hiring hitmen to kill his chief critic, Carole Baskin, and is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Metro
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Tiger King star pleads guilty to trafficking animals and laundering money
A Tiger King star from the hit Netflix phenomenon is facing up to 10 years in prison for trafficking exotic animals and money laundering. It has now been five years since the documentary first captivated audiences when it aired in March 2020 during the peak of Covid-19. The infamous series offered a peak behind the curtain of dealers and conservationists of big cats, focusing specifically on the feud between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Oklahoma native Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is currently serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill Baskin. Now, however, Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle – who was a central figure – could be facing a similar fate in jail. Antle, who owns private zoo Myrtle Beach Safari, appeared in the first season of the documentary and was the star of the third season. His zoo was renowned for earning hundreds of thousands of dollars by allowing customers to pet and hold baby animals, such as lions, tigers and monkeys, many of whom were still being bottle-fed. Antle would also reportedly sometimes ride into tours on an elephant. But, after pleading guilty in November 2023 to trafficking animals and laundering money, he could now be facing 10 years in prison. The federal charges brought against him came to light after the Tiger King series aired, and he has remained on bail since his arrest in June 2022. Prosecutors said he sold or bought cheetahs, lions, tigers and a chimpanzee without the proper paperwork. It has also been alleged that Antle laundered more than $500,000 that an informant told him was being used to get people into the U.S. illegally to work. After listening to his phone calls, the FBI reportedly heard Antle say during a phone call: 'I had to get a monkey, but the people won't take a check. They only take cash. So what do you do?' It is not yet known what the specific punishment will be sought by prosecutors and any defence arguments for leniency remain undisclosed. More Trending Three other people who pleaded guilty in his investigation have received either probation or a four-month prison sentence. This comes after Exotic announced he had got married yet again in April despite currently being behind bars. The 62-year-old revealed he has got married to fellow inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado, 33. View More » Sharing a photoshopped snap of them wearing suits to mark the occasion, he wrote: 'Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Latest ‘Tiger King' twist finds ‘Doc' Antle facing possible prison sentence for animal trafficking
This image provided by the Horry County Sheriff's Office in Conway, S.C., shows Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, a wild animal trainer who was featured in the popular Netflix series "Tiger King." (Horry County Sheriff's Office via AP) Five years after the true crime documentary 'Tiger King' captivated a country shut down by COVID-19, the final legal troubles for one of its main characters will be resolved Tuesday in a courtroom in South Carolina. Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle faces up to 10 years in prison for trafficking in exotic animals and money laundering after pleading guilty in November 2023. Exactly what punishment prosecutors are asking for and any arguments for leniency from Antle's attorneys were kept from the public before Tuesday morning's hearing in federal court in Charleston. Three others who pleaded guilty in his investigation received either probation or a four-month prison sentence. Antle's sentence is the final true-life chapter of the Tiger King saga. The Netflix series debuted in March 2020 near the peak of COVID-19 restrictions. The show centred on dealers and conservationists of big cats, focusing on disputes between Joe Exotic, a collector and private zookeeper from Oklahoma, and Carole Baskin, who runs Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill Baskin. Antle, who owns a private zoo called Myrtle Beach Safari, appeared in the first season of the documentary and was the star of the third season. Antle's zoo was known for charging hundreds or thousands of dollars to let people pet and hold baby animals like lions, tigers and monkeys that were so young they were still being bottle-fed. Customers could have photos or videos made. Antle would sometimes ride into tours on an elephant. Myrtle Beach Safari remains open by reservation only, according to its website. Antle has remained out on bail since his arrest in June 2022. Antle's federal charges were brought after the Tiger King series. Prosecutors said he sold or bought cheetahs, lions, tigers and a chimpanzee without the proper paperwork. And they said in a separate scheme, Antle laundered more than US$500,000 that an informant told him was being used to get people into the U.S. illegally to work. Antle was used to having large amounts of money he could move around quickly, investigators said. The FBI was listening to Antle's phone calls with the informant as he explained a baby chimpanzee could easily cost $200,000. Private zookeepers can charge hundreds of dollars for photos with docile young primates or other animals, but the profit window is only open for a few years before the growing animals can no longer be safely handled. 'I had to get a monkey, but the people won't take a cheque. They only take cash. So what do you do?' Antle said according to a transcript of the phone call in court papers. Two of Antle's employees have already been sentenced for their roles in his schemes. Meredith Bybee was given a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee while Andrew 'Omar' Sawyer, who prosecutors said helped Antle launder money, was given two years of probation. Jason Clay, a Texas private zoo owner, pleaded guilty to illegally selling a primate and was sentenced to four months in prison, while charges were dropped against California ranch owner Charles Sammut. Antle was also convicted in 2023 in a Virginia court of four counts of wildlife trafficking over sales of lions and was sentenced to two years of prison suspended 'upon five years of good behaviour.' An appeals court overturned two of the convictions, ruling that Virginia law bans the sale of endangered species but not their purchase. Antle was found not guilty of five counts of animal cruelty at that same Virginia trial. Jeffrey Collins, The Associated Press
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Latest ‘Tiger King' twist finds ‘Doc' Antle facing possible prison sentence for animal trafficking
Five years after the true crime documentary 'Tiger King' captivated a country shut down by COVID-19, the final legal troubles for one of its main characters will be resolved Tuesday in a courtroom in South Carolina. Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle faces up to 10 years in prison for trafficking in exotic animals and money laundering after pleading guilty in November 2023. Exactly what punishment prosecutors are asking for and any arguments for leniency from Antle's attorneys were kept from the public before Tuesday morning's hearing in federal court in Charleston. 6 Doc Antle is facing up to 10 years in prison. Doc Antle/Facebook 6 Doc Antle was featured in the Netflix hit docuseries, 'Tiger King.' Doc Antle/Facebook Three others who pleaded guilty in his investigation received either probation or a four-month prison sentence. Antle's sentence is the final true-life chapter of the Tiger King saga. The Netflix series debuted in March 2020 near the peak of COVID-19 restrictions. The show centered on dealers and conservationists of big cats, focusing on disputes between Joe Exotic, a collector and private zookeeper from Oklahoma, and Carole Baskin, who runs Big Cat Rescue in Florida. 6 Joe Exotic starred in the Netflix series, 'Tiger King.' Netflix US/AFP via Getty Images Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill Baskin. Antle, who owns a private zoo called Myrtle Beach Safari, appeared in the first season of the documentary and was the star of the third season. Antle's zoo was known for charging hundreds or thousands of dollars to let people pet and hold baby animals like lions, tigers and monkeys that were so young they were still being bottle-fed. Customers could have photos or videos made. Antle would sometimes ride into tours on an elephant. 6 Joe Exotic is currently serving a prison sentence for his failed murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin. AP Myrtle Beach Safari remains open by reservation only, according to its website. Antle has remained out on bail since his arrest in June 2022. Antle's federal charges were brought after the Tiger King series. Prosecutors said he sold or bought cheetahs, lions, tigers and a chimpanzee without the proper paperwork. And they said in a separate scheme, Antle laundered more than $500,000 that an informant told him was being used to get people into the U.S. illegally to work. Antle was used to having large amounts of money he could move around quickly, investigators said. 6 Doc Antle owns a private zoo called Myrtle Beach Safari. Doc Antle/Facebook The FBI was listening to Antle's phone calls with the informant as he explained a baby chimpanzee could easily cost $200,000. Private zookeepers can charge hundreds of dollars for photos with docile young primates or other animals, but the profit window is only open for a few years before the growing animals can no longer be safely handled. 'I had to get a monkey, but the people won't take a check. They only take cash. So what do you do?' Antle said according to a transcript of the phone call in court papers. Two of Antle's employees have already been sentenced for their roles in his schemes. Meredith Bybee was given a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee while Andrew 'Omar' Sawyer, who prosecutors said helped Antle launder money, was given two years of probation. 6 Two of Doc Antle's have been sentenced for their part in the trafficking exotic animals scheme. Doc Antle/Facebook Jason Clay, a Texas private zoo owner, pleaded guilty to illegally selling a primate and was sentenced to four months in prison, while charges were dropped against California ranch owner Charles Sammut. Antle was also convicted in 2023 in a Virginia court of four counts of wildlife trafficking over sales of lions and was sentenced to two years of prison suspended 'upon five years of good behavior.' An appeals court overturned two of the convictions, ruling that Virginia law bans the sale of endangered species but not their purchase. Antle was found not guilty of five counts of animal cruelty at that same Virginia trial.
NBC News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Latest 'Tiger King' twist finds 'Doc' Antle facing possible prison sentence for animal trafficking
Five years after the true crime documentary 'Tiger King' captivated a country shut down by COVID-19, the final legal troubles for one of its main characters will be resolved Tuesday in a courtroom in South Carolina. Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle faces up to 10 years in prison for trafficking in exotic animals and money laundering after pleading guilty in November 2023. Exactly what punishment prosecutors are asking for and any arguments for leniency from Antle's attorneys were kept from the public before Tuesday morning's hearing in federal court in Charleston. Three others who pleaded guilty in his investigation received either probation or a four-month prison sentence. Antle's sentence is the final true-life chapter of the Tiger King saga. The Netflix series debuted in March 2020 near the peak of COVID-19 restrictions. The show centered on dealers and conservationists of big cats, focusing on disputes between Joe Exotic, a collector and private zookeeper from Oklahoma, and Carole Baskin, who runs Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill Baskin. Antle, who owns a private zoo called Myrtle Beach Safari, appeared in the first season of the documentary and was the star of the third season. Antle's zoo was known for charging hundreds or thousands of dollars to let people pet and hold baby animals like lions, tigers and monkeys that were so young they were still being bottle-fed. Customers could have photos or videos made. Antle would sometimes ride into tours on an elephant. Myrtle Beach Safari remains open by reservation only, according to its website. Antle has remained out on bail since his arrest in June 2022. Antle's federal charges were brought after the Tiger King series. Prosecutors said he sold or bought cheetahs, lions, tigers and a chimpanzee without the proper paperwork. And they said in a separate scheme, Antle laundered more than $500,000 that an informant told him was being used to get people into the U.S. illegally to work. Antle was used to having large amounts of money he could move around quickly, investigators said. The FBI was listening to Antle's phone calls with the informant as he explained a baby chimpanzee could easily cost $200,000. Private zookeepers can charge hundreds of dollars for photos with docile young primates or other animals, but the profit window is only open for a few years before the growing animals can no longer be safely handled. 'I had to get a monkey, but the people won't take a check. They only take cash. So what do you do?' Antle said according to a transcript of the phone call in court papers. Two of Antle's employees have already been sentenced for their roles in his schemes. Meredith Bybee was given a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee while Andrew 'Omar' Sawyer, who prosecutors said helped Antle launder money, was given two years of probation. Jason Clay, a Texas private zoo owner, pleaded guilty to illegally selling a primate and was sentenced to four months in prison, while charges were dropped against California ranch owner Charles Sammut. Antle was also convicted in 2023 in a Virginia court of four counts of wildlife trafficking over sales of lions and was sentenced to two years of prison suspended 'upon five years of good behavior.' An appeals court overturned two of the convictions, ruling that Virginia law bans the sale of endangered species but not their purchase. Antle was found not guilty of five counts of animal cruelty at that same Virginia trial.
