18-Year-Old Man Pleads Guilty to Harassing Sea Lion in San Diego
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California reported that an 18-year-old resident of La Jolla has pleaded guilty to harassing a sea lion, an incident that gained attention through a viral video. Tyler Muehl admitted to the offense, which occurred on July 22, 2026, at La Jolla Cove.
The video depicted Muehl approaching the sea lion and attempting to kick it multiple times, causing the animal to flinch and flee into the water. Muehl's actions were acknowledged in his plea, which confirmed the video's accuracy in representing the events.
He is set to be sentenced on October 20, 2026, for a misdemeanor violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The maximum penalty for this offense could include up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. Officials from NOAA emphasized the seriousness of such violations and the potential harm to marine mammals.