A Covington woman has been charged with distributing animal crush videos, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Ariel Kornienko, 42, was charged by bill of information on July 23, 2025, for allegedly violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 48(a)(3).
The bill of information states that Kornienko distributed videos online showing the impaling of monkeys in the genitals, penetrating them with inanimate objects, and subjecting them to serious bodily injury and death.
If found guilty, Kornienko could face up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson said: “a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Group along with HSI Wildlife and Environmental Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman from the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
