Parrish Man Known as The Monkey Whisperer Sentenced for Illegal Primate Trafficking
A Parrish man known as The Monkey Whisperer has been sentenced to federal prison after authorities say he continued trafficking exotic animals while already on probation for a similar offense.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, 62, was sentenced to nine months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing stems from charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and illegal wildlife trafficking under the same statute.
Hammonds previously pleaded guilty on Oct. 23. In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered him to pay a $60,000 fine directed to the Lacey Act Reward Fund. He is also prohibited from possessing, breeding, selling, transporting, or exhibiting any wildlife in the future.
Federal investigators said Hammonds operated a business, The Monkey Whisperer, LLC, that specialized in the sale of primates and other exotic animals, despite his prior conviction and probation. Authorities reported that he used social media platforms to connect with buyers and later moved conversations to encrypted messaging applications.
Court records show Hammonds agreed to sell two common marmosets for $7,400 to an individual who was later identified as an undercover agent. The transaction was arranged to take place in Georgia, apparently to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Following his arrest, Hammonds relinquished ownership of 67 animals. The animals included several species of primates, muntjac deer, lemurs, kangaroos, wallabies, and otters.
A violation of probation hearing related to the case is scheduled for April 2.
