BELLEFONTAINE, OH — Brady Shellhammer, 26, was arrested in early May by the FBI during an operation in Bellefontaine and has now been federally indicted in connection with a nationwide conspiracy involving the production and distribution of graphic videos depicting the torture and sexual abuse of monkeys.
Although Shellhammer was apprehended in Bellefontaine, authorities say he is not a local resident. He is one of 11 individuals named in a federal indictment announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Federal prosecutors allege that Shellhammer conspired with co-defendants, including previously charged Cincinnati resident Nicholas Dryden, to create so-called “animal crush videos.” These videos involve horrific acts of animal cruelty, which were filmed and distributed as part of the conspiracy.
The indictment outlines 79 overt acts where defendants allegedly paid Dryden, who in turn paid a minor in Indonesia to perform the abusive acts on camera. The disturbing content reportedly includes scenes of monkeys having their genitals burned, cut with scissors, and being subjected to sexual abuse using objects such as wooden skewers and spoons.
The case remains under active investigation as federal authorities continue to pursue all involved parties.
