LEESBURG – In a case that has a lot of residents upset, Marvin Hicks is facing charges for killing an animal classified as an endangered species.
Hicks was charged in May earlier this year after he allegedly ran over and killed a Sandhill Crane with his golf cart at the Spanish Village golf course in Leesburg.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Sandhill Crane is a federally protected endangered animal making it a felony offense to injure or kill one.
In a report filed in the Lake County Court, investigators stated that he was seen by witnesses chasing several cranes around the golf course while a woman who was riding in his golf cart with him laughed and clapped. While chasing the cranes, Hicks ran over the smallest one of the flock. The young bird later died from a broken neck and other injuries sustained as a result.
The investigator also stated in the report that while investigating the scene, Hicks approached them and introduced himself by saying, “Hi…I’m the one who ran over the Sandhill Crane.”
According to court records, an attorney representing Hicks, filed a plea of not guilty and a request for a trial by jury.
Hicks is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on November 7th.
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