An 18-year-old from La Jolla faces legal consequences after pleading guilty to a disturbing incident at the beach. Federal prosecutors confirmed that Tyler Muehl admitted to repeatedly kicking a sea lion while the animal was resting on a sea wall near Point La Jolla late at night on July 22.
The attack was recorded and shared on social media, where it triggered an immediate outcry. The footage shows the teenager chasing the animal and striking it multiple times, including twice in the face. Muehl eventually stopped his pursuit only after the sea lion managed to escape over the wall and reach the beach.
Following a federal investigation led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Muehl pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. While the charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, a plea agreement is in place that will likely result in a less severe sentence. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 20.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria addressed the incident, emphasizing that the city expects accountability for harm caused to marine wildlife. He noted that the coastline belongs to everyone and protecting its residents requires strict adherence to federal laws. Authorities continue to remind the public that harassing marine mammals is a federal offense.