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

Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old man recorded last month kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, pleaded guilty in federal court to harassing the federally protected animal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Prosecutors said the viral video shows Muehl approaching the sea lion at night on July 22 with his hands raised “as if preparing to box with or fight the animal,” and referring to himself as “Max Holloway” after getting close. He admitted kicking the sea lion four times with contact, then chasing and kicking it two more times as the animal tried to flee. The maximum penalty is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. NOAA has limited enforcement staffing in California, relying on local partners.