La Jolla Sea Lion Assault: Teen Pleads Guilty in Federal Case
TL;DR
An 18-year-old La Jolla resident, Tyler Muehl, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for repeatedly kicking a California sea lion at La Jolla Cove on July 22, 2026. The attack, captured on video and shared on social media, prompted a federal NOAA investigation. While the maximum penalties can include up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, a plea deal is expected to reduce the punishment; sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20.
- Teen admits to repeatedly kicking La Jolla sea lion in viral video, U.S. prosecutors say NBC 7 San Diego
- Teen who kicked sea lion in viral video in San Diego pleads guilty fox5sandiego.com
- 'Federal crime. Federal consequences' | La Jolla man pleads guilty to kicking sea lion cbs8.com
- Teen caught on video kicking sea lion pleads guilty, faces prison time: "Federal crime. Federal consequences." CBS News
- La Jolla teen pleads guilty to kicking sea lion in viral video 10News.com
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