The article discusses the case of Philip Colt Moss, a lawyer from Des Moines, Iowa, who faced legal issues related to drug charges in 2017 after a raid on his home uncovered various illegal substances. Moss’s lawyer argued that he needed help rather than punishment, leading to Moss entering an inpatient treatment facility. He eventually pled guilty to misdemeanors and received probation.
However, years later, Moss became embroiled in a serious federal investigation concerning his involvement in a disturbing online community that shared and created “monkey crush” videos, which depicted the torture of monkeys. The investigation revealed that Moss communicated with the ringleader of this group via encrypted messaging apps, discussing drug use and the community’s activities. He was arrested on August 8, 2024, and now faces the possibility of significant prison time as the Department of Justice has unsealed an indictment against him. The article highlights the dark side of internet communities and the severe consequences of Moss’s actions.