Man caught on video kicking sea lion pleads guilty, faces prison time: "Federal crime. Federal consequences."

Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty in federal court after prosecutors said a viral video captured him kicking a sea lion at a beach in San Diego. The case involves La Jolla Cove and a charge under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for harassing a federally protected marine mammal. Prosecutors announced the plea on Thursday, saying Muehl admitted that late at night on July 22 he approached the animal with his hands held high “as if preparing to box with or fight the animal.” He also referred to himself as “Max Holloway,” and admitted kicking the sea lion four times with contact, then chasing and kicking it two more times as it tried to escape. The plea agreement includes acknowledging the video as a fair and accurate recording. The maximum penalty is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, with NOAA noting limited enforcement coverage in California.