GUILTY OK - Former Oklahoma governor candidate indicted in murder-for-hire plot, Santa Rosa Co., 7 Sep 2018

[PommyMommy]

MAR 26, 2019
Murder-for-hire trial against ‘Joe Exotic’ enters second day
The trial against Oklahoma’s ‘tiger king’ Joseph Maldonado Passage, best known as ‘Joe Exotic’, is expected to resume Tuesday morning.

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On Monday, seven witnesses testified on behalf of the government in federal court during the first day of trial which had a heavy focus on alleged tiger killings at the Garvin County park. Among the witnesses were former employees, including Erik Cowie.

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According to Cowie, the five tigers had not been breeding cubs but were otherwise healthy. The plan, he claims, included killing the tigers to make room for more cats.

 

[PommyMommy]

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 27, 2019
Jurors see videos in 'Joe Exotic' murder-for-hire trial

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According to The Oklahoman, jurors were shown a Facebook video Tuesday that depicts Maldonado-Passage shooting a blow-up "Carole" doll in the head. Other videos show him pretending to dig a grave for Baskin and threatening to mail her rattlesnakes.

Attorneys for Maldonado-Passage say the videos weren't meant to be taken seriously.

[...]

Murder-for-hire trial against `Joe Exotic` enters second day

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 28, 2019
Former Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate 'Joe Exotic' sold hybrid cat to fund murder-for-hire plot
A man has testified that he took $3,000 from a former zookeeper and Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate to kill a woman in Florida and promised he'd "cut her head off."

Undercover agent posing as a hitman testifies in murder-for-hire trial against ‘Joe Exotic’
The government's final witness in a murder-for-hire trial was an FBI agent working undercover and posing as a hitman.

The agent testified Thursday, he was contacted about the investigation into Joseph Maldonado-Passage in November 2017. He met Maldonado-Passage, better known as 'Joe Exotic', in December 2017 at the Greater Wynnewood Animal Park, which the defendant once owned.

MAR 29, 2019
FBI agent tells of plot details in 'Joe Exotic' trial
Prosecutors say Maldonado-Passage offered $10,000 to an undercover FBI agent to kill Baskin, and the conversation was recorded. Maldonado-Passage's attorneys say their client wasn't being serious.

Oklahoma zookeeper, 'Joe Exotic', accused in murder-for-hire trial
An Oklahoma zookeeper accused of trying to arrange the killing of a critic who ran an animal sanctuary talked about using a public stop on his gubernatorial campaign to create an alibi.

That's according to a 47-minute recording played for jurors Thursday in the murder-for-hire trial of Joseph Maldonado-Passage. Also known as "Joe Exotic," the zookeeper ran as a Libertarian for governor last year.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 29, 2019
Defense attorneys for former zookeeper 'Joe Exotic' have presented their first witness in the murder-for-hire trial against him.

[...]

In court Friday, the defense's first witness was a woman who worked with PETA. She testified Maldonado-Passage had indicated he wanted to leave the exotic animal business but "there was no way" unless the $1 million trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Baskin "went away."

The witness said she drafted an agreement involving the removal of animals from the park in exchange for Maldonado-Passage to leave the industry.

However, the government presented an email sent by Maldonado-Passage in January 2018 in which he expressed his discontent with the deal because it did nothing to "get rid of the judgment" or help in any way to pay off legal fees.

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MAR 30, 2019
Animal rights attorney testifies for 'Joe Exotic' defense
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Peet said Maldonado-Passage told her he wanted out of the industry and to become a bartender in Central America as the defense seeks to show he was never serious about trying to arrange the death of Carole Baskin.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 1, 2019
‘Joe Exotic’ takes stand in murder-for-hire trial
[...]

On Monday morning, Maldonado-Passage took the stand and testified about his relationship with Baskin. She had been a chief critic of his, calling his zoo “cruel.”

On the stand, Maldonado-Passage did not deny that their disagreements made it into his social media videos and posts. However, he says he never wanted her dead.

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‘Joe Exotic’ testifies in murder-for-hire trial

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Maldonado-Passage also testified about some of the things he did online, including shooting a doll that looked like Baskin, saying he had a coffin for her and saying she would die by fire. He claims he did those things, among other many other outlandish acts online, because he noticed viewership and donations to the park would skyrocket.

Lawyers will make their closing arguments Tuesday, and then the jury will deliberate and make its verdict.

Maldonado-Passage is facing 21 total counts, including two murder-for-hire counts. The murder-for-hire counts could carry 10 years each in prison, and the other counts could carry between three and five years plus fines.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 1, 2019
‘Joe Exotic’ testifies in murder-for-hire trial, claims he was set up
[...]

During his testimony Monday, Maldonado-Passage told the court it was no secret amongst park workers at the Greater Wynnewood Animal Park that he had disagreements with Baskin when it came to animal treatment.

"My problem with her is that she is a hypocrite," the defendant told the court Monday.

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Maldonado-Passage and his attorneys said he was set up in the first alleged plot. They said he was not serious in the second alleged plan, which included an informant and an undercover agent who secretly recorded phone calls and conversations.

However, Maldonado-Passage noted he "had a gut feeling" that the undercover agent was actually a member of law enforcement. He also testified, in many of the conversations, he would not bring up the use of a hit-man. Instead, he said the topic would be brought up by the informant.

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The jury was given instructions Monday. Closing arguments are expected to begin on Tuesday.

Joe Exotic Takes The Stand In His Murder-For-Hire Trial
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He said while the videos may have appeared graphic or threatening, he never intended to kill her. Instead, he said, the videos depicting him shooting a doll in her likeness were fueled by the desire to garner more viewers. He said the more shocking the content the more viewers they got from around the world.

In 2014, following a near-death experience, Maldonado-Passage said he made a deal with God, promising if he ever got out of the hospital following a prolonged illness, he would change his ways. He said he had realized it wasn't fair to make his animals suffer for the public's entertainment.

[...]

 

[cybervampira]

Ex-exotic zookeeper is found guilty in murder-for-hire plot to kill rival wildlife sanctuary owner | Daily Mail Online

• Joseph Maldonado-Passage, 56, was found guilty on Tuesday in Oklahoma City
• Aka 'Joe Exotic,' he was accused of trying to kill rival wildlife sanctuary boss
• Jury heard ex-Oklahoma governor candidate made two attempts to hire hit man
• Prosecutors say he offered $10,000 to undercover FBI agent to kill Carole Baskin
• He faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing, which has not been scheduled
• Baskin - who runs the Big Cat Rescue non profit in Florida - was not harmed

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 2, 2019
'Joe Exotic,' Oklahoma zookeeper who ran for governor, is convicted in murder-for-hire plot
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Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, 56, commonly known as "Joe Exotic," was also convicted of killing five tigers in October 2017, as well as selling and offering to sell tiger cubs between November 2016 and March 2018.

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Prosecutors said Maldonado-Passage offered an undercover FBI agent $10,000 in December 2017 to kill Carole Baskin, the founder and CEO of the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary outside Tampa. The meeting was recorded and played for the jury last week.

In the recording, Maldonado-Passage told the agent: "Just, like, follow her into a mall parking lot and just cap her and drive off."

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 5, 2019
Exclusive Interview: Joe Exotic Says He's In Shock Has Plans To File Appeal After Verdict

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 11, 2019
Joe Exotic Writes Letter To President Trump Asking For Pardon
From behind bars, Joe Maldonado-Passage aka Joe Exotic wrote a letter to the nation's commander in chief.

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Maldonado-Passage told News 9 if he isn't pardoned, he will seek another trial. He could ask for a change of venue, something his attorney's recommended, but he declined.

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Mr. President,

I am asking for a special investigation or a Presidential Pardon from the Conviction I have Just received.

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I am being sent to prison for a form being filled out wrong by my vet's secretary under the Endangered Species Act.

I am being sent to prison for forms filled out wrong by the zoo manager while I was over 1000 miles away.... Under the Endangered Species Act.

I am being sent to prison because my Federal Inspector Debbie Cunningham with the USDA told me to write donated on the transfer forms but avoided being served for trial, so she'd have to admit to this.

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[DropthePuck]

Being in possession of a horrendous haircut should have been added to the list of charges because he is certainly guilty of that. SMDH. Glad he was convicted!!

 

[JerseyGirl]

Still waiting on sentencing?!?

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The problem with exotic animal ownership in America

 

[SeesSeas]

'Joe Exotic’ sentenced in plot to arrange killing of Big Cat Rescue CEO in Tampa
January 22, 2020
OKLAHOMA CITY — A former Oklahoma zookeeper and one-time candidate for governor was sentenced Wednesday to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot and violating federal wildlife laws.

A federal judge in Oklahoma City sentenced 56-year-old Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage — who is also known as “Joe Exotic" — for trying to arrange the killing of a Florida animal sanctuary founder who criticized his treatment of animals. The woman, founder and CEO of animal sanctuary Big Cat Rescue Carole Baskin, wasn’t harmed.
[...]

"Joe Exotic" Sentenced to 22 Years for Murder-For-Hire and for Violating the Lacey Act and Endangered Species Act
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Western District of Oklahoma
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
"Joe Exotic" Sentenced to 22 Years for Murder-For-Hire and for Violating the Lacey Act and Endangered Species Act
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH MALDONADO-PASSAGE, also known as Joseph Allen Maldonado, Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, and "Joe Exotic," 56, formerly of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after a federal jury convicted him of two counts of murder-for-hire, eight counts of violating the Lacey Act for falsifying wildlife records, and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.

"We are thankful for the Court’s thoughtful consideration of the gravity of this murder-for-hire scheme, as well as the defendant’s egregious wildlife crimes in imposing a 22-year sentence," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "This sentence is the result of countless hours of detailed investigative work by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

"Wildlife crime is often connected with other criminal activity such as fraud, narcotics, money-laundering and smuggling. Mr. Maldonado-Passage added murder-for-hire," said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. "The Service along with our partners will continue to bring to justice those involved in wildlife trafficking and other assorted crimes. The successful outcome of this investigation is the result of working jointly with the U. S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to ensure the protection of a federally protected species."

"Today's sentencing of Joseph Maldonado-Passage should serve as a reminder that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate those who orchestrate murder-for-hire or violate U.S. wildlife laws," said Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the FBI's Oklahoma City Field Office. "The FBI would like to thank our partners for their efforts on this joint investigation."

On September 5, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an indictment that accused Maldonado-Passage of hiring an unnamed person in November 2017 to murder "Jane Doe" in Florida and also hiring a person who turned out to be an undercover FBI agent to commit that murder. A superseding indictment handed down on November 7, 2018, further alleged Maldonado-Passage falsified forms involving the sale of wildlife in interstate commerce, killed five tigers in October 2017 to make room for cage space for other big cats, and sold and offered to sell tiger cubs in interstate commerce. Because tigers are an endangered species, these alleged killings and sales violated the Endangered Species Act.

During a trial that began on March 25, a jury heard evidence that Maldonado-Passage gave Allen Glover $3,000 to travel from Oklahoma to South Carolina and then to Florida to murder Carole Baskin, with a promise to pay thousands more after the deed. Baskin, a critic of Maldonado-Passage’s animal park, owns a tiger sanctuary in Florida and had secured a million-dollar judgment against Maldonado-Passage.

The evidence further showed that beginning in July 2016, Maldonado-Passage repeatedly sought someone to murder Baskin in exchange for money, which led to his meeting with an undercover FBI agent on December 8, 2017. The jury heard a recording of his meeting with the agent to discuss details of the planned murder.

In addition to the murder-for-hire counts, the trial included evidence of violations of the Lacey Act, which makes it a crime to falsify records of wildlife transactions in interstate commerce. According to these counts, Maldonado-Passage designated on delivery forms and Certificates of Veterinary Inspection that tigers, lions, and a baby lemur were being donated to the recipient or transported for exhibition only, when he knew they were being sold in interstate commerce.

Finally, the jury heard evidence that Maldonado-Passage personally shot and killed five tigers in October 2017, without a veterinarian present and in violation of the Endangered Species Act.

After only a few hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on both murder-for-hire counts, eight Lacey Act counts, and nine Endangered Species Act counts.

On January 22, 2020, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Maldonado-Passage to 264 months in federal prison. That sentence includes (1) 108 months on each of the two murder-for-hire counts to run consecutively to each other, (2) 12 months on each of the Endangered Species Act violations to run concurrently to each other and to all other counts, and (3) 48 months on each of the Lacey Act violations to run concurrently with each other but consecutive to the two murder-for-hire counts. Judge Palk also ordered Maldonado-Passage to spend three years of supervised release upon release from prison. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the seriousness of Maldonado-Passage’s conduct and his reluctance to accept responsibility.

This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Green and Charles W. Brown prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.

 

[Soulmagent]

Miranda Lambert explains meeting Joe Exotic from ‘Tiger King’


Miranda Lambert explains meeting Joe Exotic from ‘Tiger King’ after Twitter backlash

 

[JudgeJoe]

Miranda Lambert explains meeting Joe Exotic from ‘Tiger King’


Miranda Lambert explains meeting Joe Exotic from ‘Tiger King’ after Twitter backlash

Hmmm... I hope the shelter pets weren’t fed to the tigers like the staff described happened to a lady’s horse when she brought the animal to pasture there. From Joe Exotic documentary, final interview bonus episode.

From the link:
“MuttNation, her foundation that helps shelter pets get adopted, relocated animals after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. The organization was looking for volunteers to transport animals from Houston to Oklahoma, where there was more room for them, and Maldonado-Passage offered to help... Joe volunteered his trailer and staff,” Lambert explained on Twitter.”

 

[madfrank]

This is exactly why I think the series is crap:
The Most-Watched Show in America Is a Moral Failure (The Atlantic)
Netflix’s Tiger King is the apotheosis of extreme storytelling: The more unfathomable and ethically dubious, the better.

 

[DropthePuck]

This is exactly why I think the series is crap:
The Most-Watched Show in America Is a Moral Failure (The Atlantic)
Netflix’s Tiger King is the apotheosis of extreme storytelling: The more unfathomable and ethically dubious, the better.

I refuse to watch it. The show is full of morally repugnant people plus I don't do well with animal abuse and I can't stand to watch how the tigers are treated. Everyone talks about Joe Exotic and shares the memes and Twitter jokes and I'm like WHAT ABOUT THE TIGERS? WHO'S WATCHING OUT FOR THE TIGERS??
However, in a current moral landscape that lauds and awards the Kartrashians with a TV show and millions of dollars, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Tiger King is so popular.

 

[madfrank]

I refuse to watch it. The show is full of morally repugnant people plus I don't do well with animal abuse and I can't stand to watch how the tigers are treated. Everyone talks about Joe Exotic and shares the memes and Twitter jokes and I'm like WHAT ABOUT THE TIGERS? WHO'S WATCHING OUT FOR THE TIGERS??
However, in a current moral landscape that lauds and awards the Kartrashians with a TV show and millions of dollars, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Tiger King is so popular.

I lived in Oklahoma when the "Tiger King" had his roadside zoo, long before his current run, and thought then how brutal and trashy such an enterprise was. I was not surprised at all when this publicity hound wound up getting more and more of it -- we Americans, at our lowest ebb, eat this stuff up, and think reality TV is real, mistaking the ludicrous for the moral and replacing goodness and honesty with grotesqueness and filth.