SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The La Jolla teen who appeared in a viral video kicking at a sea lion in La Jolla Cove has pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act's prohibition on harassment of wildlife, according to a news release by the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of California.
In 18-year-old Tyler Muehl's plea agreement, he admitted that on July 22, 2026, he repeatedly kicked at a sea lion who was sitting on the sea wall in La Jolla Cove near Ellen Browning Park.
Muehl stated that he kicked at the sea lion four different times and "made contact while kicking the animal." Muehl agreed that the video accurately captured what happened.
Mayor Todd Gloria issued the following statement following the guilty plea of an individual charged with harassing a sea lion at Point La Jolla in July:
"What happened at Point La Jolla was unacceptable, and I said then that there needed to be accountability. Today’s guilty plea makes clear that harming or harassing our marine wildlife has serious consequences.
"I appreciate our federal partners for taking this case seriously. Our coastline belongs to all of us, and protecting its wildlife requires everyone to respect these animals, keep a safe distance and follow the law.”
“National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement takes all violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act very seriously,” said NOAA-Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement West Coast Division Assistant Director Eric Morgan. “Intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal—it is dangerous for the well-being of the animal.”
Muehl pleaded guilty to the charge of "knowingly and unlawfully taking a marine animal in waters or on lands under the jurisdiction of the United States in that he did harass and hunt" a California sea lion.
The defendant is scheduled to appear for his sentencing on Oct. 20, 2026.
He could face a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
