Rodney Travis Jr, 27, pleaded guilty in Virginia to animal abuse and computer fraud after prosecutors said he injured and killed cats to create misleading social-media videos and solicit donations. He is due to serve 15 years in prison, described as the largest animal-abuse penalty in the state’s history. International online investigators helped identify and locate him, enabling police to arrest him quickly.

Prosecutors said Travis abused about 20 cats, or possibly 26, and raised more than $400,000 since 2023 by falsely claiming the animals had cancer. Investigators found blood, fur, injured cats and devices used in the scheme at properties linked to him; six cats were rescued, although one later died, while another cat’s body was found in a landfill. Officials said the abuse was carried out for profit and entertainment, and that evidence included hotel footage, online posts and a plan detailing the operation.