A federal grand jury has indicted a Pennsylvania man for shooting and killing a bald eagle, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Rodney Thomas, 50, of Canonsburg, is accused of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in the one-count indictment.

Thomas shot and killed a mature bald eagle with an air rifle May 12 in Mt. Pleasant, according to information presented to the court.

If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both, depending upon the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from "taking" bald or golden eagles including their parts including feathers, nests or eggs.