Tyler Muehl Pleads Guilty to Kicking Sea Lion 4 Times, Facing 1 Year in Prison

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 15

Tyler Muehl, 18, admitted in federal court that he kicked a sea lion four times at La Jolla Cove on July 22, pleading guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Court papers said Muehl approached with his hands up as if to fight, called himself by former UFC champion Max Holloway’s name, twice kicked the animal in the face, then chased it until it escaped over a sea wall.
Federal prosecutors said the viral video was a fair and accurate record of the attack; Muehl was publicly identified in Thursday’s misdemeanor filing and can remain out of custody before sentencing.
A U.S. magistrate judge tentatively set sentencing for Oct. 20, with Muehl facing up to 1 year in prison and a $100,000 fine and ordered to avoid alcohol and marijuana pending the hearing.
NOAA, which investigated the case, said intentionally striking a marine mammal is illegal and dangerous, and its guidance tells the public to stay at least 150 feet from sea lions and seals.