Feds: Ex-zookeeper offered cash from tiger sales for hit

The Associated Press - December 19, 2018 9:09 am

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Federal prosecutors are accusing an ex-Oklahoma zookeeper and former gubernatorial candidate of trying to pay an FBI agent posing as a hit man with money from selling tigers.
Court documents filed Friday reveal details of what prosecutors say is a December 2017 recording of Joseph Maldonado-Passage, who goes by “Joe Exotic,” negotiating with the undercover agent. The 55-year-old Maldonado-Passage is charged with trying to hire someone to kill the operator of a Florida-based animal sanctuary.
He pleaded not guilty. His attorney didn’t immediately return a call Tuesday seeking comment.
Maldonado-Passage also faces charges of killing tigers and selling cubs in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Trial is set for January 8th in Oklahoma City.
Maldonado-Passage operated a zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and ran unsuccessfully for Oklahoma governor this year.

 

Latest Stories

Citizens Police Academy Applications Online

If true crime podcasts and reruns of Cops are no longer satisfying your curiosity, the Ponca...

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Honored

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Bob Zweiachar was honored Oct. 31 at the NOC-Trinidad (CO) wrestling match...

Oklahoma Slashes Developmental Disabilities Waitlist From 13 Years to Two

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced the reduction of the Developmental Disabilities...