CLARK COUNTY, Ind. — Wildlife in Need founder Tim Stark was arraigned in Clark County Court Thursday after being extradited back from New York following his arrest earlier this month.
Appearing on the virtual hearing in an orange jumpsuit, Stark called only a few feet away from where he sleeps in the Clark County Jail. He was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony intimidation after officials accused him of assaulting a deputy attorney during an inspection earlier this year.
His attorney called the charges against Stark "show biz," saying they were an inappropriate use of the criminal justice system -- something Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull disagreed with.
"I'm not in the show business, I'm in the justice business and the attorney knows that," Mull said.
According to court documents, a film crew with the Netflix documentary "Tiger King" was recording when Stark grabbed a Indiana Attorney General prosecutor, as the attorney general was heard saying "You're not touching me, you're not touching me." Stark was recorded responding, "I'll whoop your ass."
Mull asked for a $100,000 cash bond, pointing to Stark's threats and his leaving for New York instead of reporting to court.
"Mr. Stark has made some very disturbing comments that are suggestive of him committing violent acts against people and as a prosecutor that disturbs me," Mull said.
Stark's attorney, however, pointed out he had no history with the criminal justice system and was arrested without incident. Because of that, the judge gave him a $5,000 cash bond, leaving the prosecution disappointed and worried.
"I think the high cash bond was necessary to make sure the community is protected and make sure he comes to court," Mull said.
But Stark will not be released from jail just yet. Even if he pays the cash bond, he will be transported to the Marion County Jail in Indianapolis, where a judge has ordered he is held until his next court date in that case which is scheduled for Nov. 4.
He is accused of removing dozens of animals from his exotic animal facility before the state could take them into custody. According to court records, officials found some of the animals in a box truck parked outside the property. There are 23 animals still missing.
When asked, Stark told the judge he would follow court orders and return for his next hearing which has been set for Nov. 19.
RELATED: 'I want to go home': Wildlife In Need's Tim Stark waives extradition will be brought back to Indiana
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