Washington Man Charged Over Rock Attack on Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal
TL;DR
A Covington, WA man, Igor Lytvynchuk, was charged by criminal complaint on May 12, 2026, for allegedly harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at her head in Maui; he was arrested near Seattle and faces up to one year in prison and fines up to $50,000 (ESA) and $20,000 (MMPA) per charge if convicted. The incident occurred May 5, 2026 in Lahaina; initial appearance is set for May 14, 2026 in the Western District of Washington. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating, with AUSA Michael Nammar prosecuting.
Topics:nationus-news#endangered-species-act#hawaiian-monk-seal#marine-mammal-protection-act#maui#us-news#wildlife-crime
- Washington Man Charged with Harassing Endangered Monk Seal “Lani” by Hurling Large Rock at Her Head Department of Justice (.gov)
- US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at endangered Hawaii monk seal’s head CNN
- US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal's head Yahoo
- Covington man charged with throwing rock at endangered monk seal in Hawaii KOMO
- Visitor charged with harassing a Hawaiian monk seal on Maui Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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