Tyler Muehl

Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old from San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood, has pleaded guilty to a federal crime after a video of him kicking a sea lion went viral. The incident, which occurred at a local beach, involved Muehl chasing and kicking the protected marine mammal. He admitted to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act in court. As a result of his guilty plea, Muehl faces potential penalties including up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The case highlights the legal consequences for harming protected wildlife and the impact of social media in bringing such actions to public attention and legal scrutiny.