Tampa's 'Monkey Whisperer' and Brother Face Illegal Monkey Trafficking Charges

You have heard of the Tiger King, but have you heard of the Monkey Whisperer? United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that a federal grand jury has indicted 61-year-old Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, also known as "The Monkey Whisperer" of Parrish, and his brother 59-year-old Johnny D-Lane Hammonds of St. Petersburg, on charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and Lacey Act trafficking. If convicted, both men could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

The indictment alleges that the Hammonds brothers conspired to illegally sell and transport wildlife, specifically marmosets, in violation of federal and state laws.

It is important to note that an indictment is only a formal accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Abigail K. King will handle the prosecution.