Canonsburg Man Pleads Guilty to and is Sentenced for Killing of Bald Eagle

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service on his conviction of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Rodney Thomas, 51. Thomas also was ordered to pay a fine of $2,500 and restitution of $9,800 to the Pennsylvania Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Council.

According to information presented to the Court, Thomas shot and killed a mature bald eagle with an air rifle in Mount Pleasant Township in Washington County on May 12, 2023.

Prior to sentencing, testimony was offered from residents of Mount Pleasant Township.

Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Mount Pleasant Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Game Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Washington County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas.