SAN DIEGO, CA - Tyler Muehl pleaded guilty Thursday to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act in connection with the July 22 incident at La Jolla Cove. The attack was recorded and quickly spread across social media like a California wildfire, drawing widespread condemnation.
As reported by CBS, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was among those who condemned the incident, calling it a “disgusting act of animal cruelty.”
According to Muehl’s plea agreement, he approached the sea lion late that night with his hands raised “as if preparing to box with or fight the animal.” Prosecutors said Muehl also referred to himself as UFC fighter Max Holloway while moving toward the animal.
Muehl admitted kicking at the sea lion four times and making contact with the animal, causing it to flinch and recoil. When the sea lion attempted to get away, Muehl chased it and kicked at it two more times. The animal stumbled while attempting to cross a seawall before eventually making its way over the wall and onto the beach.
As part of his guilty plea, Muehl acknowledged that the viral video was a fair and accurate recording of what happened, as if trying to show a shred of honor after such a cowardly act.
Sea lions are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits people from harassing, harming, pursuing or injuring marine mammals. Muehl faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20.
“Federal crime, federal consequences,” U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement.
The incident also renewed concerns about protecting sea lions and other marine wildlife at La Jolla Cove, an area where officials have struggled to maintain a constant enforcement presence.
NOAA Fisheries officials have stressed that deliberately attacking marine wildlife is both illegal and potentially harmful to the animals.
“Intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal, it is dangerous for the well-being of the animal,” NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Eric Morgan said.
The case comes just months after another incident involving protected marine wildlife in Hawaii. In May, a tourist was arrested after allegedly throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal off Maui. His attorney later claimed the man was attempting to protect nearby sea turtles.
In that case, the suspect was later doxxed, harassed, and even “brutally assaulted.” That suspect is still facing charges and could also receive jail time.
Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com.
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