'Doc' Antle of Netflix's 'Tiger King' pleads guilty to wildlife trafficking and money laundering

This image provided by the Horry County Sheriff's Office in Conway, S.C., shows Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, who was arrested by the FBI, Friday, June 3, 2022, on federal money laundering charges. (Horry County Sheriff's Office via AP)

An exotic wildlife preserve owner who gained notoriety on the popular Netflix series "Tiger King" plead guilty Monday to animal trafficking and money laundering, the U.S. Justice Department announced.

The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Bhagavan "Doc" Antle oversaw the sale or purchase of cheetah cubs, lion cubs, tigers and a juvenile chimpanzee that were all protected as endangered species, according to a Justice Department release. Officials said the 63-year-old man featured in a documentary miniseries about the tiger trade tried to hide animal payments as "donations" to his nonprofit organization.

"The defendant held himself out as a conservationist, yet repeatedly violated laws protecting endangered animals and then tried to cover up those violations," Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division said in a statement.

Antle faces a maximum of five years' imprisonment, fines up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release for each count. He operates Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina and is the founder of a nonprofit registered in the state called the Rare Species Fund.

Investigators found evidence that Antle and a coconspirator had also used cash acquired through the transportation and harbouring of immigrants who illegally entered the country.

A jury this June acquitted Antle of five counts of animal cruelty. The judge in that case dismissed four more animal cruelty charges facing Antle and all charges against his two adult daughters.

It's the latest fallout for the subjects of "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness." Joe Exotic, the show's star, is serving a 21-year prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill animal welfare activist Carol Baskin. The ongoing feud between Joe Exotic -- whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage -- and Baskin featured prominently in the show. Maldonado-Passage had one year shaved off his penalty last year as he began treatment for early-stage cancer.

---

Pollard is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Lindholm scores the winner for Canucks in OT

Just over a minute into overtime, Elias Lindholm scored, bringing the Vancouver Canucks to victory over the Nashville Predators in Game 4.

CDC says it's identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles

Three women diagnosed with HIV after getting 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed medical spa are believed to be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles.

All London Drugs stores closed across Western Canada due to system issue

All 79 locations of pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs are shut down Sunday, and there is no estimate on when they will be back open.

Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.

Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.

Australian prime minister describes domestic violence as a 'national crisis' after protests

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday described domestic violence as a 'national crisis' after thousands rallied around the country against violence toward women.

Casey DeSmith won’t start Game 4 for the Canucks

Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Vancouver Canucks when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series Sunday.

Putin likely didn't order death of Russian opposition leader Navalny, U.S. official says

U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely didn't order the death of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny in February, according to an official familiar with the determination.

Tornadoes kill 4 in Oklahoma, leaving trail of destruction and thousands without power

Tornadoes killed four people in Oklahoma and left thousands without power Sunday after a destructive outbreak of severe weather flattened buildings in the heart of one rural town and injured at least 100 people across the state.

Canada

Road closed in Oak Bay, B.C., so elephant seal can cross

Police in Oak Bay, B.C., had to close a stretch of road Sunday to help an elephant seal named Emerson get safely back into the water.
Canadian women defeat U.S. handily in Pacific Four Series rugby tournament opener

Captain Sophie de Goede scored 18 points, including two tries, as Canada thumped the U.S. 50-7 Sunday in the opening match of Pacific Four Series rugby tournament.
Elliot Page criticizes Alberta government for trans policies at Calgary Comic Expo event

Actor and activist Elliot Page offered a parent some guidance and blasted the Alberta government Sunday at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.
All London Drugs stores closed across Western Canada due to system issue

All 79 locations of pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs are shut down Sunday, and there is no estimate on when they will be back open.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000

Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.

World

Australian prime minister describes domestic violence as a 'national crisis' after protests

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday described domestic violence as a 'national crisis' after thousands rallied around the country against violence toward women.
Tornadoes kill 4 in Oklahoma, leaving trail of destruction and thousands without power

Tornadoes killed four people in Oklahoma and left thousands without power Sunday after a destructive outbreak of severe weather flattened buildings in the heart of one rural town and injured at least 100 people across the state.
Prince Harry and Meghan to visit Nigeria in May for Invictus Games talks

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will visit Nigeria in May for talks on the Invictus Games, which he founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans, a Nigerian official said Sunday.
Putin likely didn't order death of Russian opposition leader Navalny, U.S. official says

U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely didn't order the death of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny in February, according to an official familiar with the determination.
A Florida sheriff says 10 people were wounded by gunfire after a fight broke out at a party venue

A teenage gunman wounded 10 people when he opened fire early Sunday after fighting broke out during a private event at a Florida party venue, authorities said.
Japan's ruling party loses all 3 seats in special vote, seen as punishment for corruption scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's governing party, stung by an extensive slush funds scandal, appeared to have lost all three seats in Sunday's parliamentary byelections, according to media exit polls and preliminary results.

Politics

Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
What Trudeau's podcast appearances say about the Liberals' next ballot box question

Trudeau recently appeared on four podcasts as he travels the country talking up the Liberals' latest budget, which he's pitching as a plan to inject more economic fairness into society for those under 40 — a cohort that has kept Trudeau in power since 2015 but is increasingly turning to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language

Quebec is investing $603 million over the next five years to counter what its French-language minister describes as the decline of the French language in the province.

Health

CDC says it's identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles

Three women diagnosed with HIV after getting 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed medical spa are believed to be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Global measles cases nearly doubled in one year, researchers say

The number of measles cases around the world nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, researchers say, presenting a challenge to efforts to achieve and maintain elimination status in many countries.

Sci-Tech

Cybersecurity expert weighs in on the possibility of a U.S. ban of TikTok

Anyone who has a Gen-Z person in their life is likely familiar with the popular social media app TikTok, but a new bill in the U.S. may soon take it off of the American market.
Cisco reveals security breach, warns of state-sponsored spy campaign

State-sponsored actors targeted security devices used by governments around the world, according to technology firm Cisco Systems, which said the network devices are coveted intrusion points by spies.
These are the countries where TikTok is already banned

TikTok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the U.S., where a new law threatens a nationwide ban unless its China-based parent ByteDance divests. Here are the places that have partial or total bans on TikTok.

Entertainment

Elliot Page criticizes Alberta government for trans policies at Calgary Comic Expo event

Actor and activist Elliot Page offered a parent some guidance and blasted the Alberta government Sunday at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.
Quebec singing star and cultural icon Jean-Pierre Ferland dies at 89

Quebec singing star and cultural icon Jean-Pierre Ferland died on Saturday at the age of 89.
Nicole Kidman, who 'makes movies better,' gets AFI Life Achievement Award

Morgan Freeman spoke the words, but pretty much everyone who took the stage at the presentation of the AFI Life Achievement Award agreed: "Nicole Kidman. She makes movies better."

Business

All London Drugs stores closed across Western Canada due to system issue

All 79 locations of pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs are shut down Sunday, and there is no estimate on when they will be back open.
Fair share: the right office solution can take finding the right partner

The rise of remote and hybrid work has made it harder to justify a full office, so more are leaning on co-working spaces that they share with many others for convenience and cost savings. The choice, however, comes at the expense of privacy and control.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?

The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce 'halal mortgages' as a way to increase access to home ownership.

Lifestyle

Seeking engagement and purpose, corporate employees turn to workplace volunteering

Employees increasingly find that robust workplace volunteer programs meet their desires for in-person connections, professional growth and altruistically inclined employers — career objectives that might be missing in conventional corporate atmospheres.
Dishing out history: A look back at defunct restaurants in Winnipeg

Take an illustrated look back at the culinary history of Winnipeg.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million

An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.

Sports

Lindholm scores the winner for Canucks in OT

Just over a minute into overtime, Elias Lindholm scored, bringing the Vancouver Canucks to victory over the Nashville Predators in Game 4.
Canadian women defeat U.S. handily in Pacific Four Series rugby tournament opener

Captain Sophie de Goede scored 18 points, including two tries, as Canada thumped the U.S. 50-7 Sunday in the opening match of Pacific Four Series rugby tournament.
Candace Parker, a 3-time WNBA champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist, announces retirement

Three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker announced on social media that her career was over on Sunday after 16 seasons.

Autos

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.
Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants

Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.

Lindholm scores the winner for Canucks in OT

Just over a minute into overtime, Elias Lindholm scored, bringing the Vancouver Canucks to victory over the Nashville Predators in Game 4.
All London Drugs stores closed across Western Canada due to system issue

All 79 locations of pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs are shut down Sunday, and there is no estimate on when they will be back open.
Road closed in Oak Bay, B.C., so elephant seal can cross

Police in Oak Bay, B.C., had to close a stretch of road Sunday to help an elephant seal named Emerson get safely back into the water.

Toronto

Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Auston Matthews' illness 'lingering' as desperate Toronto Maple Leafs look to stay alive

Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews has been sidelined by a "lingering illness" as Toronto stares down playoff elimination.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.

Calgary

Elliot Page criticizes Alberta government for trans policies at Calgary Comic Expo event

Actor and activist Elliot Page offered a parent some guidance and blasted the Alberta government Sunday at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.
Hundreds of Calgarians step up in Crescent Heights to help end homelessness

About 300 people laced up their runners and tackled the McHugh Bluff staircase to help bring an end to homelessness in Calgary.
Pedestrian suffers ‘life-altering’ injuries after getting run over twice in Bridgeland parking lot

Calgary police are investigating after a hit-and-run Saturday afternoon in Bridgeland that left a pedestrian hospitalized with serious, life-altering injuries.

Ottawa

Community group looks to help as Ottawa Food Bank sees a surge in demand

While food banks across Ontario continue to experience a surge in use, one Ottawa community group is working to fight food insecurity. The Food for All Ottawa Facebook page has been bringing in 150 to 200 new members a month, connecting food donors directly with people in need.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Police investigating fatal collision involving a pedestrian in Ottawa's south-end

Ottawa police say officers responded to a call for a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle on 8th Line Road, near Walker Road, just after 2:30 a.m.

Montreal

Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language

Quebec is investing $603 million over the next five years to counter what its French-language minister describes as the decline of the French language in the province.
Students vow to 'stand their ground,' show solidarity with Palestinians at McGill encampment

Hundreds of students are still camping out on McGill's University's campus this weekend in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Quebec eyes new bill to force online streaming giants to show more francophone content

Quebecers could soon see more homegrown content on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. The provincial government announced that it plans to introduce a new bill within the next year to force online streaming giants to add more made-in-Quebec media on their platforms.

Edmonton

Man dead after motorcycle crash on Highway 16 Saturday

A man is dead after he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle in Strathcona County Saturday night.
Woman killed in crash near Fort McMurray International Airport Saturday morning

A woman was killed after crashing into a water truck near the Fort McMurray International Airport Saturday morning.
Edmonton man laces up for 2 marathons Sunday in support of mental health

An Edmonton man spent his birthday Sunday pushing himself to the limit to try and help others.

Atlantic

Cybersecurity expert weighs in on the possibility of a U.S. ban of TikTok

Anyone who has a Gen-Z person in their life is likely familiar with the popular social media app TikTok, but a new bill in the U.S. may soon take it off of the American market.
Nova Scotians remember those lost in workplace accidents on National Day of Mourning

Dozens of people across Nova Scotia came together at Province House on Sunday for National Day of Mourning, an annual day that remembers those who have died of or were injured because of a workplace accident.
Saint John honours National Day of Mourning with ceremony at Rockwood Park

Over 150 residents flocked to Rockwood Park in Saint John on Sunday to pay their respects on the National Day of Mourning, which honours workers who have been killed or have suffered a workplace related injury while on the job.

Winnipeg

A timeline of the Jeremy Skibicki case

The trial for the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg is set to get underway on April 29.
Nichushkin scores hat trick to lead Avalanche to 5-1 win, leaving Jets on the brink

The Jets will look to avoid elimination in Game 5 on Tuesday night at Canada Life Centre.
Siloam Mission launches housing strategy, aims to solve chronic homelessness in Winnipeg

A Winnipeg-based non-profit organization is hoping to tackle chronic homelessness in the city with a newly launched housing strategy.

Regina

Regina Rebels seize gold at U-18 National Women's Hockey Championship

The Regina Rebels made history over the weekend — taking home gold for the first time ever at the U-18 women's hockey national championships.
No injuries reported after fire causes significant damage to North Central home

Regina's fire service is investigating following a significant house fire in the North Central area.
Regina's Dunlop Art Gallery welcomes new installation

'Feel through the Deepness to see,' an art installation by artist Rita McKeough, will be calling the Dunlop Art Gallery home for the next two months.

Kitchener

'We have an ability to create change': Waterloo Region residents mourn those who never returned from work

Waterloo Region residents, workplace safety advocates, and politicians all gathered at the Worker’s Monument in Cambridge’s Riverside Park for the National Day of Mourning.
Most-read stories of the week: Stolen laptop, parking dispute, $0.05 property tax bill

A ransom for a stolen laptop, a parking dispute at a Kitchener apartment building, and a five-cent property tax bill round out the most-read stories of the week.
Police charge two teens following Kitchener convenience store robbery

Waterloo Regional Police have charged two teens in connection to a Kitchener robbery.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon care home workers escalating strike action

Workers at group homes run by LutherCare Communities in Saskatoon are escalating their strike action.
Saskatoon Indigenous and Palestinian communities gather in collective prayer for Gaza

On Saturday, in a display of cross-cultural solidarity, members of the Indigenous and Palestinian communities gathered in Saskatoon for an event steeped in prayer and dance.
Saskatoon police investigating after body found at recycling facility

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and Saskatchewan Coroners Service are investigating after a woman’s body was found at a recycling facility Friday morning.

Northern Ontario

Special weather statements issued in northern Ont. for freezing or heavy rain

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements warning of freezing or heavy rain from Chapleau, Ont. to Sturgeon Lake, Ont.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Northern OPP detachment lays 3 impaired driving charges in 13 hours

Impaired drivers recently kept a northern Ontario Provincial Police detachment busy this weekend. The Temiskaming detachment charged three people with impaired driving in only 13 hours.

London

Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
PLAYOFF TRACKER
PLAYOFF TRACKER London remains undefeated as Knights crush Saginaw 3-1 on home ice

The London Knights have taken a 2-0 series lead on the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL Western Conference Final after a 3-1 win Sunday. The 10-0 start to the playoffs is the best in franchise history during the internet era.
Advocate for injured workers honoured with Lifetime Activism Award on National Day of Mourning

It’s been 25 years since Kevin Jones was injured while employed at a factory building transport trailers. 'There was repetitive strain, motion muscles, skeletal tearing, and nerve pain in my neck, shoulders and upper back,' explained Jones, 51, of London, Ont.

Barrie

Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Police searching for man on Lake Muskoka after possible drowning call

Police and search and rescue crews in Gravenhurst are trying to locate a man after reports of a possible drowning.
'Kitten Shower' held ahead of anticipated influx of kittens this summer

The Barrie SPCA is taking inspiration from a traditional baby shower with its latest event this weekend to prepare for an influx of cats this summer.

Windsor

Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
PHOTOS
PHOTOS High tea and big hats galore as Rotary Club fundraiser hits 10-year milestone

Since 2014, the Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial has been holding its annual Big Hats and High Tea Social. The fundraising event returned Sunday at the Essex Golf and Country Club.
More than 200 people run in the rain to support Ronald McDonald House

Rain couldn't stop an annual charity 5K run from taking place in Lakeshore this weekend. In fact, running in the rain has practically become a tradition at this point.

Vancouver Island

Road closed in Oak Bay, B.C., so elephant seal can cross

Police in Oak Bay, B.C., had to close a stretch of road Sunday to help an elephant seal named Emerson get safely back into the water.
All London Drugs stores closed across Western Canada due to system issue

All 79 locations of pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs are shut down Sunday, and there is no estimate on when they will be back open.
Lindholm scores the winner for Canucks in OT

Just over a minute into overtime, Elias Lindholm scored, bringing the Vancouver Canucks to victory over the Nashville Predators in Game 4.

Kelowna

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.

Lethbridge

Bandits get hat trick from Logan Sawyer en route to 8-2 win over Okotoks

The Brooks Bandits got down to business Friday, defeating the Okotoks Oilers 8-2.
'No real winner' following first Alberta NDP leadership debate: political scientist

An Alberta political scientist said the NDP leadership hopefuls remained fairly even following the first of the party’s debates.
Multiple grass fires sparked near Kipp rail yard

It was a busy Wednesday evening for fire crews in Lethbridge County after multiple grass fires were sparked near the Kipp rail yard.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sudbury renews commitment to workplace health and safety on 40th anniversary of National Day of Mourning

Greater Sudbury marked the Day of Mourning with ceremony at Laurentian University on Sunday to honour lives lost in workplace accidents and occupational illnesses. The event included guest speakers like Celine Quenneville, whose husband died last year from cancer the family said they believe was caused from diesel exposure on the job.
Elliot Lake hospital moving towards ‘normalcy’ with mask-friendly policy

St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake says it is moving towards “normalcy” by transitioning to a mask-friendly policy.
Special weather statements issued in northern Ont. for freezing or heavy rain

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements warning of freezing or heavy rain from Chapleau, Ont. to Sturgeon Lake, Ont.

N.L.

Voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole never considered moving out of St. John's

Legendary sportscaster Bob Cole was a Newfoundlander through and through, and his daughter says his connection to the province was 'everything' to him.
Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.

'Doc' Antle of Netflix's 'Tiger King' pleads guilty to wildlife trafficking and money laundering

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

PLAYOFF TRACKER | London remains undefeated as Knights crush Saginaw 3-1 on home ice

PHOTOS | High tea and big hats galore as Rotary Club fundraiser hits 10-year milestone

PLAYOFF TRACKER London remains undefeated as Knights crush Saginaw 3-1 on home ice

PHOTOS High tea and big hats galore as Rotary Club fundraiser hits 10-year milestone