A Canonsburg resident was indicted Tuesday, July 17, by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Rodney Thomas, 50, is accused of shooting and killing a mature bald eagle with an air rifle on May 12, in Mount Pleasant, according to the indictment.

“This office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting environmental and wildlife offenses under federal law,” U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan wrote in a statement, “including the unlawful killing of bald eagles, the United States’ national bird since 1782.”

The maximum sentence is up to one year in prison, a fine up to $5,000 or both.