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Texas Woman Pleads Guilty To Federal 'Crush Video' Charge

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HOUSTON (AP) - A 24-year-old Houston woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges for creating and distributing videos depicting the torture and killing of puppies, chickens and kittens.

Ashley Richards already was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for producing videos of her, scantily clad, using high heels, meat cleavers and other weapons to kill cats and dogs. Now, she could be sentenced on Dec. 10 to up to 35 years in federal prison and fined up to $1.25 million.

Prosecutors say the so-called "crush" videos depict women killing small animals and are meant to satisfy the sexual fetish of those who purchase them. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals notified authorities of the videos in 2012.

Still awaiting trial in the case is Brent Justice, 54.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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