The Tiger King star has been charged with wildlife trafficking and money laundering charges

Authorities allege Antle and his employee “laundered more than $500,000 in cash believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States,” according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina.

The indictment, received June 28, states that Antle and his employee “obtained or attempted to obtain large amounts of cash, regardless of source, and used that money for various purposes, including the purchase of animals and for other purposes , related to Myrtle Beach Safari.”

The complaint alleges that Antle told the informant that he would “conceal the transaction and move the money through the Myrtle Beach Safari by inflating the number of tourists.”

Antle allegedly violated federal law by illegally trafficking wildlife and falsifying records for wildlife, including lemurs, chimpanzees and cheetahs, that are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, according to the indictment.

CNN has reached out to Antle’s lawyers for comment.

He faces up to 20 years in federal prison for money laundering and up to five years for wildlife trafficking. A federal magistrate granted Antle a federal bond.

In October 2020, Antle was indicted on separate wildlife trafficking charges following an investigation by then-Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring.

Antle told CNN at the time: “I have spent my entire professional life promoting the welfare and conservation of big cats and other species. I have deep respect and affection for the animals in my care and would never harm or mistreat them in any way. “

“I look forward to being able to answer these allegations and to be able to clear my good name,” he added.

Antle is scheduled for an October 2020 trial in the case, according to the Frederick County Clerk’s Office in Virginia.

Antle owns a private zoo in South Carolina called Myrtle Beach Safari, which was featured in “Tiger King.” He previously said he was “very disappointed” with his portrayal in the documentary, CNN affiliate WPDE-TV reported.