Rodney Thomas, the father of Colts second-year safety Rodney Thomas II, has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting a bald eagle in Pennsylvania, according to a report in the New York Post.
The elder Thomas was indicted by a Pittsburgh federal grand jury for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania announced Tuesday, per the Post. Thomas allegedly killed the protected species with an air rifle in Mount Pleasant, Pa. back on May 12.
The beloved bald eagle, who was one of two well-known to the area for decades, was nicknamed “Sam” by locals after the famous Muppets character.
In a release, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Eric G. Olshan said his office is devoted to bringing offenders who harm wildlife to justice.
“This Office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting environmental and wildlife offenses under federal law, including the unlawful killing of bald eagles–the United States’ national bird since 1782,” Olshan said.
Thomas, 50, was released on $10,000 bail. He faces up to a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
