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Judge Orders Arrest Of ‘Chimp Crazy’ Star Tonia Haddix In Ongoing PETA Battle

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video by Rickie Smith / LakeExpo.com

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The legal battle between PETA and "Chimp Crazy" star Tonia Haddix has escalated after a St. Louis County Circuit Court judge ordered her and her husband's arrest.

Haddix gained global notoriety from the HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy,” which followed her fight with PETA over a group of chimpanzees. The saga took a wild turn when she falsely claimed one chimp, Tonka, had died—only for him to be found alive in her basement in Sunrise Beach.

Since 2023, Haddix as run a local zoo from her home at the intersection of Route TT and MM. She was set to lose her animal welfare license however, which would shutdown the safari.

And shortly after the USDA order, Haddix pled guilty to perjury and obstruction of justice. Depending on the sentencing—scheduled for Aug. 7—Haddix could spend multiple years in prison. 

But that battle hasn't been resolved in other ways. 

According to court documents, Haddix has not appeared to multiple depositions and has failed to pay $224,404.24 in attorneys' fees and court costs awarded to PETA last year.

On Monday, Judge Brian May found Haddix and Gerald Aswegan in contempt of court, issuing a $100 daily fine until they began rectifying the obligations. 

Judge May also issued an Order for Body Attachment to sheriffs in St. Louis County and Camden County to take Haddix and Aswegan into custody. They could be detained until a hearing scheduled for Aug. 5.

Each of their bonds were set at $2,500. 

The Camden County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrant for Haddix’s arrest but said she has not been taken into custody. While deputies have not yet attempted to serve it, she could be booked and released with a court date, pending guidance from the U.S. Marshals.

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