18-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Kicking Protected Sea Lion in La Jolla
An 18-year-old man from La Jolla has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges after a video surfaced showing him kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The shocking footage, which went viral, captured the teenager not only kicking the animal but also chasing it as it attempted to escape. The incident has prompted discussions among California Coastal Commission officials about potentially closing parts of La Jolla Cove to protect local sea lions. The teen now faces a possible sentence of one year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. This case has brought significant attention to the issue of animal harassment in California.
ABC7 Los Angeles, The Guardian, San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC 7 San Diego, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, KPBS, cbs8.com, KOMO, 10News.com