The Grammy Award winning song “Hotel California” by The Eagles is one of the most iconic songs of the rock era.

Apparently the song itself isn’t the only thing that is iconic.  Three men were arrested on July 11 for allegedly scheming to sell a handwritten copy of the lyrics; as well as, lyrics to other Eagles songs that were allegedly obtained unlawfully.

According to prosecutors, the trio lied about the provenance of the lyrics and “coached” the “owner” on what to say to auction houses and prospective buyers; all while thwarting Eagles co-founder, drummer, and singer Don Henley from obtaining the lyrics.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg spoke on the case saying, “the made up stories about the origin of the documents and their right to possess them so they could turn a profit.”

Attorneys for Glenn Horowitz, Craig Inciardi, and rock auctioneer Edward Kosinski entered a plea of not guilty on the conspiracy charges.  Additional charges were levied against Kosinki and Inciardi for criminal possession of stolen property.  Horowitz was also charged with the attempted criminal possession of stolen property and two counts of hindering the prosecution.

All three parties were released on their own recognizance with no bail.

Issuing a statement; defense attorneys Antonia Apps, Jonathan Bach, and Stacey Richman said, “the DA’s office alleges criminality where none exists and unfairly tarnishes the reputations of well-respected professionals.”  Adding that they intend to, “fight these unjustified charges vigorously.”

Edward Kosinski’s attorney Antonia Apps further added that the charges were, “the weakest criminal case I have seen in my entire career” and it was a “civil dispute.  Despite six years of investigating the case, the DA hasn’t included a single factual allegation in the indictment showing that my client did anything wrong.”

Included with the “Hotel California” lyrics, the package of documents included hand written notes by Don Henley and the lyrics to “Life in the Fast Lane” and “New Kid in Town”.  Prosecutors value the package at over one million dollars.

Eagles manager Irving Azoff weighed in via a statement saying that the writings were “irreplaceable pieces of musical history and an integral part of the legacy Don Henley has created over the course of his 50-plus-year career.”

Apparently the documents belonged to an un-named writer who has provided numerous explanations as to how they were obtained citing “a foggy memory”.