Covington Woman Charged for Distributing Animal Crush Videos

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ARIEL KORNIENKO (“KORNIENKO”), age 42, of Covington, Louisiana, was charged by bill of information on July 23, 2025 for distributing animal crush videos, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 48(a)(3).

According to the bill of information, KORNIENKO distributed animal crush videos online, in particular, videos depicting the impaling of monkeys in the genitals, penetrating them with inanimate objects, and subjecting them to serious bodily injury and death.

If convicted, KORNIENKO faces up to 7 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Acting United States Attorney Simpson reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Group in conjunction with HSI Wildlife and Environmental Unit.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.