All rights reserved. Antle and Sawyer each face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the charges related to money laundering, and up to five years in federal prison for the charges related to wildlife trafficking. He said in the past he used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks. His legal battle is ongoing, with his trial set to begin July 25, 2022. document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "© " + html; Tiger King is by no means a documentary. Im not married and I certainly dont have wives. However, as Antle pointed out, the show itself appears to discount the allegation when Paul Lewis, who accompanied Topping to Crabtree Falls, where he died, said that Toppings chance-taking ways were what led to his death. Dallis' charges have not yet been publicly announced. When you pay for a TIGERS tour, proceeds will help support the Rare Species Fund (RSF), which provides support to international conservation programs around the globe. Antle admitted at the time to having multiple relationships simultaneously, but pointed to being single as justification. Georgetown, SC 29440, News tips/online questions: ashain@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); }; More details surrounding Myrtle Beach Safari owner Doc Antle have been released. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. 1441 Main Street Suite 500 FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) Myrtle Beach Safari owner Bhagavan Doc Antle, facing federal money-laundering and wildlife trafficking charges, was back in court Wednesday According to Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, the states Animal Law Unit had been investigating the trafficking and cruelty for months. Sammut is the owner and operator of Vision Quest Ranch, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. Netflixs Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story alleges that Antle runs his zoo like a cult leader. He is facing felony charges in Virginia related to illegal wildlife trafficking. The series ends with a very brief mention of serious charges Antle is facing in Virginia. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina, Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Others Indicted for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Crimes, Anderson Man Sentenced for Asbestos Violation, Arizona Developer Agrees to Resolve Long-Running Clean Water Act Enforcement Action for Over One Million Dollars, Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Others Indicted For Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Crimes. MBS is masquerading as a legitimate wildlife preserve and endangered species conservator but real wildlife preserves and endangered species conservators never allow public encounters or photo ops with wild animals; they never buy or sell wild animals; they never breed wild animals unless they are in an AZA-approved SSP program (which MBS is not); and they never cart wild animals to fairs or other venues for entertainment. I love a tiger, but Im not challenging mountains. Keith and I had the best time and I just couldnt stop smiling! An award-winning journalist, he has reported on all types of news, sports and features stories in over a decade as a member of the staff. Antle and Sawyer were arrested June 3 and are incarcerated at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County. Heres everything else to know about Antle. The same investigation led authorities to seize 119 animals from Keith A. Wilson of Wilson's Wild Animal Park in Virginia. Box 31210 Myrtle Beach, SC 29588. } } A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. These guys look a lot like dogs, but bigger and more fierce. Florence:(843) 665-6688. According to the complaint, which was unsealed today in a federal courtroom in Florence, Antle is the owner Read moreBrookgreen Gardens soon to be home to pack of endangered red wolves, Post and Courier Myrtle Beach That case is scheduled for a trial later this year. Antle also claims that the RSF has contributed more than $1 million to wildlife initiatives. Bybee, Sammut and Clay each face up to five years in federal prison for the charges related to the wildlife trafficking. Greenville:(864) 282-2100 We look forward to fighting these charges. Hes just a whole other kind of character. Ive always dreamt of going on an African Safari, and someday I hope to make that dream come true. Clay is the owner and operator of the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. Everyone who told the truth was kicked to the wayside, Antle, owner of Myrtle Beach Safari in Socastee, said of the Netflix docu-series casting. Only those who would take payment for their life stories got to be in the show. FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) One of the stars of Netflixs Tiger King pleaded not guilty to several federal charges. Assistant U.S. viewers are sure to recognize new presenter Kamie Crawford, who recently opened up about her own breakup, following Terrence J's exit. That didnt happen, but the guy likes peaches. Thats like the whole ending moment. In October 2020, he was indicted in Virginia on 15 charges of wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty following a months-long investigation into his dealings with private zoo owner Keith Wilson, who Antle sold lions to across state lines. Co-Creator Teases Show Plans, Prince Harry Mocked by Adult Toy Company Over Penis Story: Too Far, Are You The One? Season 9 Cast and Where to Find Them on Instagram, Minnesota indie bands fight for rights to 90s recordings: We get the runaround, Young Britons Turn on King Charles Monarchy After Prince Harrys Book. I have no relationship with them. While Tiger King brought into question his motivations for his work with wildlife, Antle was quick to debunk the accusations of euthanizing tigers as baseless. According to the indictment and other court records, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Sawyer and Bybee are Antles employees and business associates. The Rare Species Fund (RSF) also established in 1983, is a grassroots organization that provides financial support and practical training to wildlife conservation initiatives in situ. The trainers clearly love the animals they work with, and we even learned some of the animal cubs actually sleep with their trainers. ANSWER. Also arrested Friday was William James Dallis. A federal grand jury in Florence, South Carolina returned a 10-count indictment alleging charges related to wildlife trafficking and money laundering against five individuals: According to the indictment and other court records, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S. ), a world-renowned 50-acre wildlife preserve located in South Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA. ), To this day, Antle has maintained his innocence as well as the innocence of all of his family members in relation to the case. Who Is the YouTuber That Pranked Major News Channel With Moaning Noises. The animals involved included lemurs, cheetahs and a chimpanzee. There are others in the show who said Topping was owed tens of thousands of dollars and wanted out of the animal business, implying that perhaps that would be Antles motivation to kill him. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS ), a world-renowned 50-acre wildlife preserve located in South I only wish more of the photos were in focus for nice clear pictures. (Nick Papantonis/WPDE) MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) Doc Antle, founder and director of TIGERS Myrtle Beach Safari, issued the following The animal cruelty indictments allege he carried or caused the lions to be carried in a cruel, brutal, or inhumane manner, so as to produce torture or unnecessary suffering.. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case. The indictment alleges that Antle, at various times along with Bybee, Sammut, and Clay, illegally trafficked wildlife in violation of federal law, including the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act, and made false records regarding that wildlife. The indictment and a previously-filed federal complaint in the case also allege that over the last several months, Antle and Sawyer laundered more than $500,000 in cash they believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. He called one of the staff members his little Italian girlfriend, and noted another staffer was one of my lovely girlfriends for a long time. As the series explores, Antle has a perturbing set of requirements to work at Myrtle Beach Safari, which has led to accusations of his zoo being a cult. Have a question about Government Services? "global": { nmasuda@postandcourier.com, Myrtle Beach Safari owner claims Netflix's 'Tiger King' exaggerated, denies having a harem, New South Carolina law will make private ownership of wild animals illegal, Facing animal cruelty charges, 'Doc' Antle takes aim at animal extremists' and Tiger King, Oklahoma judge orders 'Tiger King' zoo to turn over big cats, Daughter of 'Tiger King' star Doc Antle arrested after Myrtle Beach traffic stop, 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic resentenced to 21 years in prison, 'Tiger King' star Doc Antle facing up to 20 years in prison on money laundering charges, FBI investigation details 'Tiger King' star Doc Antles alleged money laundering, 'Tiger King' star Doc Antle should be freed over health issues his lawyers plan to argue, Richland Two superintendent resigns after 6-hour closed-door board meeting, Charleston's Carnival ship set sail on a cruise to nowhere, Large town center-type project planned for North Charleston near new I-26 interchange. The claims come on the heels of accusations of animal cruelty against Antle. He is also the founder of the Rare Species Fund (www.RareSpeciesFund.org), a grassroots organization that supports wildlife conservation projects in situ around the globe. Myrtle Beach Safari offers the chance to meet and greet about eleven different animals in an exciting way. York filed articles of organization with the South Carolina Secretary of States Office for Vali Co LLC and Sugriva Co LLC on June 8th and 10th. Today, Doc is widely recognized as one of the foremost animal trainers in the world, having worked with thousands of animals and having traveled the globe promoting the research, education, and conservation of some of our planets rarest and most endangered species. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Smothers filed a lawsuit against Antle earlier this year, alleging that the animal bite traumatized her and caused her to experience anxiety and paranoia. This story was originally published December 26, 2021 6:58 AM. Antle and Sawyer were previously granted a bond by a federal magistrate judge as a result of the charges in the federal complaint, and Bybee, Sammut and Clay are pending arraignment. The latest charges against Antle and Sawyer carry up to 20 years in prison. More details surrounding Myrtle Beach Safari owner Doc Antle have been released. Only those who would take payment for their life stories got to be in the show., He falls off a cliff and dies and they push you for a long time that he was murdered for some reason, Antle said of the docu-series narrative in episode 3, the finale. Records show that Antle did donate to some conservation efforts overseas, but the amounts listed do not match up with what was reported in the nonprofits annual reports. Thats what you do. Doc Antle may have some iffy relationships, but that has nothing to do with the treatment of the animals. Winds light and variable. Restaurant review: Bold flavors of the Texas border shine through at Rancho Lewis, Arthur Ravenel Jr., politician and bridge namesake affectionately known as 'Cousin Arthur,' passes away. Hes one of 30 or 40 full-time staff. Myrtle Beach Safari owner Doc Antle believes season 2 of Netflix docu-series Tiger King will be salacious. MYRTLE BEACH Bhagavan Doc Antle, owner of Myrtle Beach Safari and founder of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S. Hypnotism. Federal documents also claim that Antle and his business associate, Andrew Sawyer, laundered over $500,000 in cash they believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. Ive always dreamt of going on an African Safari, and someday I hope to make that dream come true. (Bustle reached out to Antle for comment on the series, but has not received a response). The prosecutors on the case are Assistant U.S. The indictment alleges that Antle, at various times along with Bybee, Sammut and Clay, illegally trafficked wildlife in violation of federal law, including the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act, and made false records regarding that wildlife. Wells Fargo Building I had no idea Myrtle Beach had such an experience, and it appears many are unaware. Myrtle Beach Safari has ALWAYS been in 100% compliance and never in violation of federal or state animal welfare laws.. Also, who owns the Safari in Myrtle Beach?SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) Myrtle Beach Safari owner Doc Antle denied all allegations made in a new three-part docuseries that premiered They (Netflix) just wanted that cult vibe.". It was to tell a tale and almost everybody in there, pretty much every single person in there, except for, of course my first, second and third wives, every person in there hasnt spent a dozen hours with me, said Antle, who says hes suing Netflix over the original Tiger King series he was featured on. Sammut is the owner and operator of Vision Quest Ranch, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. CLUE. Columbia, SC 29201, Columbia:(803) 929-3000 So if you dont watch it all the way through they are pretending that my buddy, who lived with me and a guy who hung with me for years, fell off of a cliff a hundred miles from my house.. Because the animals are so comfortable around each other, Myrtle Beach Safari has the first ever Liger. Doc is frequently consulted and appears as a world-renowned on-screen wildlife expert for networks like the National Geographic Channel, BBC, Discovery Channel, and CNN. Wells Fargo Building I could just pet this guy all day. They were so soft and cuddly and I absolutely loved them! Animal cruelty. He pioneered the use of animal ambassador programs to help visitors reconnect with the natural world and to promote special connections with wildlife that could drive a global conservation message and agenda. In April 2021, Myrtle Beach resident Shirley Ann Smothers was bitten by a primate that is believed to have escaped from Myrtle Beach Safari. Columbia, SC 29201, Columbia:(803) 929-3000 Keith has a fascination with birds so this was pretty cool for him. The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Tour & Activity Pricing & Photo Packages - Myrtle Beach Safari "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,50847294/wfxb.com/uncategorized&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1674054655&cust_params=category=Uncategorized&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wfxb.com%2F2022%2F06%2F22%2Ftwo-new-businesses-registered-at-myrtle-beach-safari-address%2F&post=1182829" Over the years, he has more than 35 USDA violations for mistreating animals. Kody was not indicted on charges of animal cruelty along with his sisters and father. Get A Personalized Message From Doc Antle, Get A Personalized Message From Kody Antle, Address: P.O. Bybee, Sammut, and Clay each face up to five years in federal prison for the charges related to the wildlife trafficking. Accommodations are available for up to 20 guests in six rooms. 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