An Oregon man has been slapped with a 48-month sentence in federal prison following his conviction on charges of conspiracy to torture and kill monkeys for sick online videos. David Christopher Noble, a 48-year-old Prineville resident, will also face three years of supervised release after he serves his time behind bars.
Noble was found guilty of masterminding a sickening scheme in which he and others would raise funds online to pay for the production of videos showcasing the torture, mutilation, and murder of monkeys. According to the details disclosed in a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, these horrific acts were meant to intentionally prolong the animals' suffering as much as possible.
Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Eugene and Medford branch offices, vividly described the impact of the twisted entertainment. "The victims in this case cannot speak for themselves, but the impact of the grotesque violence brought upon them is unmistakable," he stated in a U.S. Attorney's Office press release. Lichvarcik noted the deplorable nature of the crimes and emphasized the prison sentence as a clear warning to others considering similar cruelty. Noble's operation aimed to produce videos for an online animal abuse group, where he and his associates would create and share these reprehensible materials.
Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer voiced his disdain for Noble's conduct, remarking, “David Noble's depraved actions not only inflicted unspeakable agony upon innocent creatures but also tainted the very essence of humanity’s moral fiber.” He indicated that the sentencing is a reflection of their commitment to definitely bring to justice those responsible for such vile acts, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office press release.
Court documents reveal that Noble's reprehensible actions extended from January 2022 through February 2023 and involved international collaborators who were funded for their part in this inhumane production. A search of Noble's residence earlier this year led to the discovery of about 50 videos capturing animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition, complicating his legal woes given his previous dishonorable discharge from the Air Force in 2006.
Noble's dark history dates back to 2006, when he was court-martialed for fraud and an unprofessional relationship, which resulted in six months of confinement in military custody. His disregard for rules and the rights of others seems to have followed him into his civilian life, culminating in his recent indictment by a federal grand jury in Eugene on May 18, 2023, setting the stage for his latest stint in federal prison.
