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Doc Antle Wins Big: Virginia Lion Cub Case Overturned
7 Jun
Summary
- Virginia Supreme Court overturned all convictions against Doc Antle.
- The court ruled the law used did not prohibit purchasing endangered animals.
- Antle also faces a federal prison sentence for separate charges.
Doc Antle, known from 'Tiger King,' has achieved a major legal triumph in Virginia. The state's Supreme Court has nullified all convictions against him concerning his acquisition of lion cubs. These charges stemmed from purchases made in 2018 and 2019 from a Virginia zoo owner.
The justices concluded that the law cited by prosecutors specifically targeted the sale of endangered species, not their purchase. Consequently, Antle's convictions and the indictments that supported them were vacated.
Antle declared this decision a "total vindication," asserting his innocence since the charges were filed. However, this acquittal does not conclude his legal troubles. He was previously sentenced to 12 months in federal prison in July for admitting to wildlife trafficking and conspiracy charges involving various animals.
