California teen pleads guilty to kicking protected sea lion
Tyler Muehl, 18, admitted to kicking a sea lion in La Jolla and pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, facing up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
An 18-year-old man from La Jolla, California, pleaded guilty on Thursday to harassing a protected sea lion, violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Tyler Muehl acknowledged that on July 22 he approached the animal, identified himself with the name of former UFC champion Max Holloway, and kicked the sea lion four times while it was resting on a wall at La Jolla Cove. The attacks caused the animal to recoil, stumble and eventually flee over a sea wall to a nearby beach.
Federal prosecutors said Muehl could be sentenced to up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. He was ordered to remain out of custody pending sentencing, with conditions prohibiting alcohol and marijuana use. The case will be heard by U.S. magistrate judge Jill L. Burkhardt on October 20.
"Federal crime. Federal consequences," said Adam Gordon, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, after the guilty plea.
"Intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal – it is dangerous for the well-being of the animal," said Eric Morgan of NOAA’s fisheries law-enforcement office, which investigated the incident.
The video of the incident circulated widely on social media, and Muehl confirmed in court that it accurately depicted the events.