San Diego Teen Pleads Guilty to Federal Wildlife Violation After Sea Lion Attack Video
An 18-year-old from La Jolla admitted to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act by kicking a sea lion, and faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
An 18-year-old resident of La Jolla pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal charge for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act after a video showed him repeatedly kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The footage captured the teen striking the animal as it attempted to move away on July 22, with at least two kicks landing on the marine mammal, prosecutors said.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon confirmed the plea and noted that the defendant acknowledged the video accurately depicted the incident. Under the plea agreement, the teen will be sentenced on Oct. 20 and could receive up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
"Intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal -- it is dangerous for the well-being of the animal," said Eric Morgan, an official with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement West Coast Division, which investigated the case.
NOAA guidelines require people to remain at least 50 feet away from sea lions, seals and other protected species.