News Summary
Bhagavan ‘Doc’ Antle, known from the ‘Tiger King’ series, is facing a federal prison sentence of 27 to 33 months for wildlife trafficking and money laundering. After pleading guilty to charges involving the illegal sale of exotic animals, Antle’s case highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking. With a sentencing hearing scheduled, his defense team argues against his portrayal as a leader in these illicit operations. The outcome is being closely watched amid growing concerns about the illegal wildlife trade and its impact on conservation.
Charleston, South Carolina – The federal government is seeking a prison sentence ranging from 27 to 33 months, or approximately two to three years, for Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the 65-year-old owner of Myrtle Beach Safari and a prominent figure in the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King.” Antle pleaded guilty to federal charges on November 6, 2023, that include illegally selling wildlife and money laundering.
Antle, who faces a maximum sentence of five years, was indicted on June 28, 2022, alongside several co-defendants in connection with illegal wildlife trafficking operations involving exotic animals, including lions, tigers, cheetahs, and chimpanzees. Prosecutors argue that a sentence of 27-33 months would appropriately reflect the serious nature of Antle’s actions and serve as a reminder of the legal consequences of wildlife trafficking.
The animals involved in Antle’s trafficking scheme have an estimated market value of $750,500, underscoring the scale and severity of the illegal activities. Court documents reveal that Antle allegedly engaged in falsifying paperwork and required illegal payments to be classified as ‘donations,’ all aimed at evading legal oversight. Evidence presented in the case suggests his significant involvement in organizing and executing these illicit transactions.
Legal Proceedings and Co-Defendants
Antle’s legal troubles extend beyond his federal charges. He is currently facing state charges in Virginia related to felony wildlife trafficking, a case that resulted in a previous $10,000 fine and probation for earlier violations. In addition to Antle, key co-defendants include Charles Sammut, Jason Clay, Andrew Sawyer, and Meredith Bybee. Notably, Jason Clay pleaded guilty in January 2024 to violations of the Endangered Species Act and received a four-month prison sentence.
Defense Arguments
Antle’s defense team is actively disputing his characterization as a “leader” in the wildlife trafficking operation, arguing against the prosecution’s claims regarding the estimated market value of the trafficked animals. They contend that Antle’s role did not warrant the level of culpability attributed to him by federal prosecutors.
Upcoming Sentencing Date
With a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 8 at the federal courthouse in Charleston, Antle’s fate remains uncertain as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare to present their arguments. The case has attracted significant media attention due to Antle’s association with the “Tiger King” series and its portrayal of the exotic animal trade. As the hearing date approaches, the legal community and animal welfare advocates are watching closely, eager to see how the court will address the growing issue of wildlife trafficking.
The broader context of wildlife trafficking highlights a serious global concern that affects biodiversity and conservation efforts. Laws and regulations around the illegal wildlife trade aim to deter such activities, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Doc Antle Prison Sentence
- WMBF News: New Federal Sentencing Date for Doc Antle
- WBTW: Doc Antle Set for Federal Sentencing
- Count on 2: Doc Antle’s Federal Sentencing Moved to July 8
- WMBF News: Sentencing Hearing Scheduled for Doc Antle
- Wikipedia: Wildlife Trafficking
- Google Search: Doc Antle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildlife Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
