Teen's Own Viral Video Leads to Federal Charge for Harassing Sea Lion

Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty to harassing a California sea lion, a federal crime under a law protecting marine mammals. He agreed in court that his viral video showed what happened. Prosecutors filed charges directly, without a grand jury. He faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is set for 20 October 2026.