(WJET/WFXP) — A Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty and was sentenced after killing an adult bald eagle back in May 2023.
Rodney Thomas, 51, of Canonsburg, was sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
According to court information, Thomas shot and killed a mature bald eagle with an air rifle in Mount Pleasant Township in Washington County on May 12, 2023.
Thomas was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and restitution of $9,800 to the Pennsylvania Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Council.
The Mount Pleasant Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Game Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Washington County District Attorney’s Office worked on the investigation leading to Thomas' prosecution.