A man accused of killing a bald eagle in May have been indicted by the United States Department of Justice.
50-year-old Rodney Thomas, of Canonsburg was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
He reportedly shot the eagle with an air rifle around May 12.
“This Office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting environmental and wildlife offenses under federal law, including the unlawful killing of bald eagles—the United States’ national bird since 1782,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan. “This prosecution is the result of strong coordination with our state and local partners at the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Mt. Pleasant Township Police Department.”
Thomas faces up to a year in prison, a $5,000 fine or both.