Tempe man sentenced nearly four years for torturing pigeons, illegal firearm possession

Eric Thomas Scionti, a 36-year-old from Tempe, Arizona, has been sentenced to 47 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of firearms and the torture and killing of pigeons. Scionti pleaded guilty to possession of firearms by a prohibited person and animal crushing, as federal agents found six firearms, over 1,800 rounds of ammunition, and disturbing videos and photos of him torturing pigeons. These discoveries were made following a tip-off to the FBI, which indicated Scionti's involvement with extremist groups like the Boogaloo Bois. The investigation revealed Scionti had a history of felony convictions, barring him from legally owning firearms. Prosecutors noted his recordings of animal cruelty were intended for personal enjoyment, while his defense cited a troubled past as a possible influence on his actions.