A Houston man was sentenced to six months in federal prison after admitting to illegally selling lemurs.
Justin Treadwell, 26, was indicted for animal smuggling in February. He was sentenced on Thursday.
According to the Justice Department, in 2023, Treadwell and another man, Angel Quinones, were captured discussing the purchase and sale of endangered species with a confidential source.
In March 2024, the males sold three ring-tailed lemurs to undercover officers for $6,000 in the Houston PetSmart parking lot.
Quinones and Treadwell were held following the sale. During their questioning, Quinones and Treadwell admitted to selling lemurs and spider monkeys to customers around the country. According to court records, the individuals admitted to operating without a US Department of Agriculture license and were aware that the sales were illegal.
Ring-tail lemurs are native to Madagascar and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Lemurs and other primates must be purchased and sold with a license under federal law.
Despite cautions that they might be antagonistic and make lousy pets, the animals have long been sought after as rare and unique pets in Texas and elsewhere.
Treadwell entered a plea deal in May. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to remove charges relating to spider monkey sales and animal smuggling. Quinones, who was caught and accused some months before Treadwell, pled guilty in 2025.
According to the original indictment, Treadwell risked up to 20 years in prison for smuggling and up to 5 years in prison for each accusation of wildlife sales.
Quinones is due to be sentenced on September 14.
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