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San Diego Teen Pleads Guilty to Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act Violation
Just the facts
Tyler Muehl admitted in federal court to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act during a July 22, 2026, incident at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. Court filings detail that Muehl approached the sea lion, made martial arts references, and kicked the animal four times before chasing it and kicking it twice more as it attempted to flee over a seawall. Sea lions maintain federal protection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which carries maximum penalties of up to one year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon confirmed the guilty plea and noted that federal law enforcement agencies investigated the recorded harassment.
Why this is news
Eighteen-year-old Tyler Muehl pleaded guilty in federal court in San Diego after a recorded video showed him attacking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The plea agreement was announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.