Accused shark-draggers plead 'not guilty'

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Three men, accused of torturing a shark to death, have pleaded not guilty.

The now-viral video sparked outrage across the country.  It showed a shark being violently dragged behind a speeding boat.

After a four-month investigation, three men were charged with aggravated animal cruelty.  Michael Wenzel, Robert Benac, and Spence Heintz did not appear in the courtroom today, but their attorneys did, maintaining their clients' innocence.

The men are expected to testify in March.