Three People on Trial Over Allegedly Stolen Hand-Written Lyrics from the Eagles’ Hotel California Album
Three individuals are currently facing criminal trial in Manhattan for their involvement in the alleged theft of hand-written notes and lyrics from the Eagles’ iconic 1976 album, Hotel California. Glenn Horowitz, Craig Inciardi, and Edward Kosinski are accused of attempting to sell these materials, valued at over $1 million, and providing false information to auction houses, buyers, and law enforcement agents between March 2012 and December 2016.
Accusations Against the Suspects
A memorabilia dealer and two men, Glenn Horowitz, Craig Inciardi, and Edward Kosinski, are accused of attempting to extort legendary singer Don Henley on at least three occasions using the stolen materials. It is alleged that the suspects attempted to sell the hand-written notes and lyrics, deceived auction houses and prospective buyers, and impeded the investigation into their activities. The three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, criminal possession, and hindering prosecution.
Details of the Alleged Offenses
According to the prosecutors, the illicit activity began when Horowitz obtained five yellow legal pads containing the Eagles’ handwritten notes and lyrics from author Ed Sanders in 2005 for $50,000. He subsequently sold the works to Inciardi and Kosinski in 2012, making a $15,000 profit. It was during this time that singer Don Henley discovered four pages of the stolen lyrics being listed for auction and intervened.
Henley’s Pursuit of Justice
Henley, being unaware that there were more stolen lyrics available, purchased the initially discovered pages for $8,500 in a genuine bid to reclaim the stolen materials. However, when further attempts were made in 2012 and 2016 to sell him additional lyrics for $12,000 and $90,000, respectively, Henley declined and refused to negotiate or be extorted.
The Unraveling of the Scheme
Henley’s lawyers, realizing the lyrics were part of a larger collection, contacted the auction house and demanded the stolen materials be returned. The lyrics’ authenticity and the proper chain of possession were inspected and questioned, leading to a criminal investigation. Subsequently, the New York City Police Department seized the stolen lyrics and additional lyric notes.
Prosecution’s Claims
The prosecutors assert that Horowitz, Inciardi, and Kosinski were not well-intentioned businessmen but criminal actors. They allegedly deceived and manipulated the situation to thwart Henley’s efforts to recover his stolen lyrics, which he painstakingly crafted over the years. The prosecutors emphasize Henley’s passion and dedication to his art, meticulously refining each song in his lyrics until they were perfect.
The Alleged Cover-Up Attempts
Horowitz is accused of fabricating a story that the stolen lyrics originated from the late Glenn Fry, a member of the Eagles. He manipulated Sanders to collaborate with his deception, aiming to create an unbreakable chain of transmission from Fry to Sanders and subsequently to him. Allegedly, Sanders later submitted a statement shielding Fry, and Horowitz continued attempting to profit from the stolen lyrics.
The Importance of the Lyrics
The prosecution concludes that the defendants were fully aware of the significance of the stolen lyrics. They intended to break down and sell each piece, disregarding the artistic value and emotional attachment Henley had to his lyrics. The defendants stand accused of manufacturing elaborate stories and utilizing fraudulent means to profit from stolen materials that rightfully belonged to Henley.
The Trial Process
The trial, currently taking place in Manhattan, will carefully examine the evidence against Horowitz, Inciardi, and Kosinski. If convicted, the defendants will face severe legal consequences for their alleged involvement in the theft, extortion attempts, and subsequent efforts to hinder the investigation. The outcome will be revealed in due course.
