Company pleads guilty to disturbing bald eagle
The Florida Times-Union
Publication Date: 12/14/07
A St. Johns County real estate company pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a misdemeanor charge of disturbing a bald eagle.
Thompson Bros. Realty admitted it cut down a pine tree where a bald eagle pair was nesting in October 2001 on Fish Island in St. Augustine.
According to the plea agreement with prosecutors, the company said it would donate 15 acres of wetlands on Fish Island for conservation in lieu of fines, which can have been as high as $200,000. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 6, so the agreement is not final until approved by a judge, who could decide to impose lesser or stiffer penalties.
Thompson and his attorney declined to comment.
Christine Gilman, who originally complained about the incident and photographed the eagles circling the felled tree, called it good news.
"I am really happy to hear that finally there's closure," she said.
Steve Cole, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Tampa, said he hoped it would send a message to developers and property owners that there are consequences for tampering with bald eagles and their nests.
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