A lady from Texas has pled guilty to engaging in border shenanigans.
Savannah Nicole Valdez, 20, was accused of sneaking a live spider monkey into the United States in a beer box, evading border patrol agents, and then being apprehended when she attempted to sell the simian online, according to officials.
The lady from Katy, Texas was initially observed attempting to pull off her plot on March 21 at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, when investigators discovered a suspicious package in her vehicle.
She said she was transporting alcohol purchased in Mexico, but the border patrol inspectors saw flaws in the wooden crate.
When they opened the enclosure, they saw a living spider monkey inside and told Valdez to stop.
However, she refused and rushed away, running a red light and “almost colliding with cops and other vehicles,” according to the authorities.
“Later that day, officers discovered additional internet ads promoting the sale of the spider monkey in the Katy and Houston regions, with Valdez’s phone number posted,” according to a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Savannah Nicole Valdez, age 20, of Texas, attempted to smuggle this spider monkey into the United States by saying that the package containing it contained alcohol.
ICE
Officials reported that the monkey was subsequently found and put in a Central Florida animal sanctuary.
ICE
A week later, she revealed that she had smuggled and escaped with the primate.
Officials reported that the monkey was subsequently found and put in a Central Florida animal sanctuary.
This month, Valdez pled guilty to importing animals into the United States without first declaring and invoicing it and evading an immigration checkpoint.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee stated in a statement, “Smuggling in endangered animals for commercial benefit is a heinous act against nature’s priceless treasures.”
When sentenced on January 25, Valdez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible maximum punishment of $250,000.