Man known as 'The Monkey Whisperer' and his brother charged with illegal monkey trade

PARRISH, Fla. (WWSB) – Charges have been announced against Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, aka “The Monkey Whisperer,” of Parrish, and Johnny D-Lane Hammonds, of St. Petersburg.

The two are charged with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and trafficking in Lacey Act.

According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to sell wildlife and transported and sold marmosets in violation of Florida and Georgia laws.

If Jimmy Hammonds and Johnny Hammonds are found guilty on all counts, they each face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.