Artists' memorabilia could sell up to millions of dollars in auctions, may it be previously owned by a living or deceased singer. However, not all people are permitted to sell rare items, similar to the three men who were charged after stealing manuscripts from the legendary band The Eagles.
According to CBS News, a rock memorabilia dealer and two other men were charged with "scheming to sell" allegedly stolen handwritten lyrics of the song "Hotel California" and other songs by the rock band.
Prosecutors said the men lied to auction houses and buyers about where they got the items.
In addition, they also attempted to stop co-founder Don Henley's efforts to get the manuscripts back.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the trip made up stories about where they obtained the documents and "their right to possess them so they could turn a profit."
Edward Kosinski, Glenn Horowitz, and Craig Inciardi pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges on Tuesday.
Aside from their current charges, Kosinski and Inciardi were also charged with "criminal possession of stolen property" while Horowitz was charged with "attempted criminal possession of stolen property."
The trio was eventually released without bail as their legal team insist that they didn't do anything wrong.
Defense attorneys Antonia Apps, Stacey Richman, and Jonathan Bach released a statement, saying, "the DA's office alleges criminality where none exists and unfairly tarnishes the reputations of well-respected professionals,"
They will also do their best to "fight these unjustified charges vigorously."
Attorney Apps, Kosinski's representative, labeled the charges "the weakest criminal case" she has ever seen in her entire career as a lawyer, before noting that the Da hasn't included a factual allegation in the indictment showing that her client did wrong in the past six years of the investigation.
Aside from notes and lyrics for "Hotel California," there were also two other singles, "Life in the Fast Lane" and "New Kid In Town" that were allegedly stolen.
The stolen items reportedly cost over $1 million.
Eagles manager Irving Azoff issued a statement, saying the manuscripts are "irreplaceable pieces of musical history" and are an important part of Don Henley's legacy throughout his career that spans more than 50 years.
Azoff also expressed his gratitude to the prosecutors for their help in exposing the truth about music memorabilia sales.
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