Two Jefferson County teenagers who allegedly posted an infamous social media video of them kicking an injured white-tailed deer were charged with animal cruelty Friday.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission said charges were filed against Alexander Brock Smith, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile male for allegedly holding down and repeatedly kicking an injured deer Nov. 30. The game commission said it began investigating after one of the thousands of people around the world who saw the video forwarded a copy to the commission.

Commission officials said many expressed frustration with the commission through its social media pages with the length of time it took to file charges.

Despite the video, the commission had to prove the incident took place in Pennsylvania and collect evidence to make a strong case in court.

Both teens face two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two felony counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated animal cruelty. Smith is facing additional charges.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that will appear in Sunday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read more about the charges the teens are facing.