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Man Tried to Sell Monkey Over Internet: FWC

Man was issued a notice to appear in court

By Lisa Orkin Emmanuel

| Tuesday, Jul 19, 2011 | Updated 9:07 PM EDT

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Man Tried to Sell Monkey Over Internet: FWC

FWC

Wildlife officials say this marmoset monkey was allegedly being sold over the Internet illegally.

A Fort Lauderdale man is accused of trying to sell a marmoset monkey illegally over the Internet, authorities said Tuesday.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Jesus R. Hernandez, 26, was charged with several misedemeanors relating to the possession, sale and caging of wildlife.

Acting on a tip, investigators searched Internet classifieds and found he was attempting to sell a marmoset monkey, the FWC said. They arranged to meet with the seller at his home, and the asking price was $2,700, authorities said.

Anyone possessing or selling exotic primates must have a valid permit. Hernandez couldn’t provide authorities with the permit, FWC said. He also told them he didn’t have records of acquiring the monkey, FWC said.

The primate was also held in a cage that didn’t meet requirements.

It was taken to a licensed wildlife facility. Hernandez was issued a notice to appear in court.

It wasn't immediately known if he had an attorney.