Man gets year probation for bald eagle possession

An Indianapolis man cited in June for illegal possession of a bald eagle pled guilty to the charge Tuesday morning in Putnam Superior Court.

Jeffrey Henry, 49, formerly of Greencastle, entered a guilty plea to the unlawful taking/ possession of a non-game species in the June 8 incident.

At the request of deputy prosecutor James Hanner, Senior Judge Douglas Bridges imposed a sentence of one year, all suspended, with all of the normal conditions of probation.

Hanner told the court he did not think any community service was in order, as Henry is disabled. However, Henry said he had done nearly 60 hours of community service through the Indianapolis Zoo, working with other animals.

Henry also said he has registered to take veterinary courses online, as he would like more opportunities to work with animals.

While he admitted to committing the crime, a Class A misdemeanor, Henry portrayed the act to the court as one born of good intentions.

He said he originally discovered the bird earlier in the spring while mushroom hunting near Big Walnut Creek. He said the orphaned eagle had fallen from its nest.

Taking pity on the bird, he kept an eye on it for a month and a half, sometimes feeding it and giving it water.

However, he said he panicked when he saw some four-wheelers chasing the animal.

"I was fully aware of what might happen to me, but due to circumstances I could not allow the animal to die," Henry said. "I am guilty of taking the bird, there's no doubt."

Henry further told the court he had notified a conservation officer about one month before taking the bird and was advised to let nature take its course.

He said he called the Department of Natural Resources again about three hours before taking the bird.

He transported the bird to his Greencastle apartment, where Indiana Conservation Officer Patrick Labhart later located both Henry and the eagle.

Acting on an anonymous complaint, Labhart investigated at Henry's apartment. Asked if he had the bald eagle, Henry brought it to Labhart, who seized the animal and took it to a licensed rehabilitator.