US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal’s head
Federal agents say the rock narrowly missed the seal’s head and the video drew widespread outrage, with fines reaching $70,000 possible.
- On Wednesday, federal agents arrested Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk near Seattle for allegedly throwing a rock at Lani, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
- Prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk threw a coconut-sized rock at the seal in Lahaina on May 5, causing the animal to "abruptly alter its behavior," according to cellphone video.
- When witnesses confronted him, Lytvynchuk reportedly said he was "rich enough to pay the fines" before walking away, and Lani remained largely immobile after the incident.
- Lytvynchuk is scheduled for a District Court appearance Thursday, facing charges carrying up to one year in prison per count and potential fines totaling up to $70,000.
- With only 1,600 Hawaiian monk seals remaining in the wild, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said the charges send a clear message that cruelty toward protected wildlife will not be tolerated.
117 Articles
117 Articles
Viral businessman who bragged about wealth slapped with federal charges in endangered species harassment case
Washington businessman Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, who said he was 'rich enough' to pay fines, faces federal charges for allegedly attacking an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
A 38-year-old American tourist was arrested by federal agents after being filmed throwing a big rock at Lani&rdq...
Igor Lytvynchuk Arrested: 'Rich' Tourist Faces $70K Fine For Attacking Beloved Hawaii Monk Seal 'Lani'
Federal agents have arrested a Washington businessman who allegedly boasted that his personal wealth made him immune to the consequences of animal cruelty. The case has ignited international outrage and renewed scrutiny of wildlife protection laws in Hawaii. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, was taken into custody on 13 May after a viral video captured him hurling a 'coconut-sized rock' at the head of a critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal k…
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
West Hawaii TodayFeds charge Washington man for throwing large rock at monk seal on Maui
A 38-year old Washington man is facing federal criminal charges for throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal known as “Lani” in Lahaina May 5. The post Feds charge Washington man for throwing large rock at monk seal on Maui appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
Washington federal judge orders monk seal harassment case to happen in Hawaii
A Washington state federal judge decided the criminal case where a Washington man allegedly threw a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal will instead take place in Honolulu's federal court.
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