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What Cheer man sentenced for killing bald eagle
Nov. 6, 2014 1:22 pm, Updated: Nov. 6, 2014 3:51 pm
DES MOINES - A What Cheer man has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for killing a bald eagle more than three years ago.
According to the U.S. Southern District of Iowa Attorney's Office, 36-year-old Jason J. Thomas was boating in rural Mahaska County on March 16, 2011 when he saw an eagle. Authorities said Thomas followed the eagle as it flew down river and captured it after it landed. Thomas then killed the bird, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In addition to his prison term, Thomas was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine, pay $25 toward the Crime Victim Fund, perform 80 hours of community service and not engage in any form of hunting. He also will undergo one year of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
An immature bald eagle flies around the water front at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, north of Palo, Iowa. At least 20 eagles of various stages of maturity congregated at various locations around the lake. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette-KCRG)
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