According to court documents, Sparks admitted to shooting at a bald eagle which was sitting in a tree near his residence on February 10, 1999. The injured eagle was discovered that morning by two men who were working in the area. When the men realized that the bird had been injured, they contacted game wardens from the Tyler office of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. On March 17, 1999, a complaint was filed alleging that Sparks violated the Endangered Species Act by the unlawful taking of a bald eagle which is listed as a threatened species. On March 25, 1999, the U.S. Attorneys Office filed a two-count information incorporating the first complaint and adding a second count alleging violation of the Bald Eagle Protection Act. Bald eagles are protected not only by the Endangered Species Act, but the Bald Eagle Protection Act passed by Congress in 1940. This morning Sparks pled guilty to count 1 of the information, the unlawful taking of a bald eagle which includes shooting at a bald eagle. He faces a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, and a fine of $100,000. Sparks also will be required to pay restitution of $10,707. The restitution includes a recovery cost by the State of Texas for $7,100, and $3,600 in veterinary costs. The young eagle is being cared for at the Last Chance Forever raptor rehabilitation center in San Antonio. Staff veterinarian Dr. Melissa Hill says the recovery of the eagle is progressing since the wing was amputated in March. In the last week the eagle has started eating on its own and has been released from constant care. The plan is to put the eagle with other eagles in the next few days. The case was investigated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in Tyler, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish & Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Jackson and Gregg Marchessault are prosecuting the case.
Guilty Plea Entered in Texas Eagle Shooting
(Tyler, Texas) A 51 year old Lake Palestine resident has pled guilty to shooting a bald eagle, U.S. Attorney Mike Bradford announced today. FRED LEE SPARKS entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie this morning.
