Wealthy Tourist Faces Federal Charges After Rock Toss at Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

A 38-year-old tourist, Igor Lytvynchuk, was arrested in Washington on a criminal complaint for harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at the seal in Hawaii on May 5. Witnesses say he bragged he was rich and could pay any fines. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison per charge and fines up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.