Tiger King Doc Antle Imprisoned For Animal Trafficking

Myrtle Beach Safari founder and controversial Tiger King star Doc Antle is on his way to prison after being sentenced for federal crimes related to wildlife trafficking and money laundering.

The Crimes & Charges

According to TMZ, on Monday, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle was sentenced to “2 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.” He previously pled guilty to multiple federal charges, including “wildlife trafficking and money laundering.”

Per the outlet, Antle “purchased and sold endangered lion cubs” and transported them “across state lines without proper documentation.” He also “laundered more than $500,000 in cash,” which he claimed was for a film project, though it was eventually tied to “a smuggling operation.”

Begging For A Lenient Sentence 

While Antle’s defense asked the judge for leniency, prosecutors focused on his repeated disregard for the law. “The judge pointed out that Antle had a history of violating federal regulations,” which the court took seriously when issuing the sentence.

Fans reacted quickly on TMZ’s Instagram after the outlet shared the news on the social media platform. One of them wrote, “Only a year? Anyone else would be getting 10 years. I know quite a few who did the same and got 10.”

Another person’s comment read, “Rot in hell for the animal trafficking.”

As Netflix made such a bit story out of the whole affair, another fan opined, “Guess Netflix documentary wasn’t a good idea after all.”

Others saw a reality TV opportunity in the news: “Omgggg put him in there with Joe Exotic. LMAO the f**ery of a TV show that would make!”

Meanwhile, another one talked about his family, questioning, “How is he going to support 8 women from inside the pen? Bro’s probably stressed.”

Legal Drama With The Cast

Doc Antle’s arrest and prison sentence brings more legal drama related to the Tiger King cast. Joe Exotic, probably  the franchise’s most notorious figure, remains in prison for his  murder-for-hire plot and various animal-related charges. Recently, he reached out to Lara Trump hoping for political help while in prison. 

Meanwhile, another cast member met a grim fate. Reptile dealer Jeff Johnson died by suicide shortly after the show aired. 

Joe Exotic also suffered personal loss while behind bars, mourning the transfer of his husband Jorge who was deported to Mexico. They had met and married in prison. 

As for Doc Antle, critics are very vocal as trafficking animals really upsets a lot of people. So, nobody’s feeling any sympathy for him. One fan revealed their feelings about it, saying. “If being a creep was a crime, he would have already been there.”

It’s unclear whether Antle will serve the full sentence, and he might serve less time for good behavior. While some people feel unhappy that he got what seemed like a lenient sentence, others are just happy that some sort of justice was served.

What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments, and come back here often for all your celebrity Justice news and updates.