Environmental Crimes Bulletin December 2023 Week 4

In this issue:

• United States v. Rodney Thomas, No. 2:23-CR-00160 (W.D. Pa.), AUSA Nicole A. Stockey

United States v. Rodney Thomas, No. 2:23-CR-00160 (W.D. Pa.), AUSA Nicole A. Stockey

On December 29, 2023, Rodney Thomas pleaded guilty to violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 668(a)). Thomas shot and killed a mature bald eagle with an air rifle on May 12, 2023, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. An eyewitness contacted law enforcement after observing the bird’s death and seeing Thomas’s car drive off. Thomas turned himself in shortly thereafter, admitting to shooting the bird.    

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation with assistance from the Mount Pleasant Township Police Department, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Game Commission.