Canonsburg Man Indicted For Killing Bald Eagle

A Canonsburg man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh announced on Tuesday.  The one-count Indictment named Rodney Thomas, 50, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, Thomas shot and killed a mature bald eagle with an air rifle on or about May 12, 2023, in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.  “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.”  If convicted, Thomas could face a maximum total sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.