A 66-year-old Washington man has been charged with illegally shooting and killing a bald eagle with a shotgun in rural Clark County.

Federal prosecutors said Benjamin G. Allen allegedly violated the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act and laws protecting migratory birds.

Investigators found the eagle had two shotgun pellets lodged in its brain after a veterinary examination.

Allen, who reportedly kept chickens near where the bird was found, faces possible fines and jail time if convicted, the USA Today has reported.

The case was investigated by federal and state wildlife officials.