The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating the death of the Falling Creek gator. If "Darth Gator" was an alligator protected by the Endangered Species Act, the fisherman who caught and clubbed him could be facing federal charges.

Chesterfield authorities say they're waiting for federal authorities to finish their investigation before they decide whether or not to file animal cruelty charges.

"I'm disappointed on how this turned out....we've been trying for a live capture for a while of this gator," said Major Thierry Dupuis of the Chesterfield County Police Department.

The fisherman who caught the gator hired attorney David Baugh who tell us "we have no comment until we hear from authorities."