The video went viral, sparking outrage in Hawaii and beyond.
Igor Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old native of Washington state, was on vacation in Maui. He was captured on camera throwing a large rock at an endangered monk seal – one that was known and loved by the Lahaina community, named “Lani” by locals.
Following some citizen justice – see here – Lytvynchuk finally had his day in court, Wednesday, where he pleaded “not guilty” for the crimes committed. He was released on $25,000 bond, ordered not to visit any beaches, and will return to court.
Per court documents, U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said:
“Today’s charges against Igor Lytvynchuk demonstrate our solemn commitment to not only protect Hawaii’s endangered monk seals, but all of our unique and endangered wildlife species from those who illegally harass, injure, or attempt to take them in defiance of federal law.
“Igor Lytvynchuk now stands formally charged for these alleged offenses and will face justice in federal court. We urge all to allow the process of justice to proceed and understand that Lytvynchuk enjoys certain rights, including the presumption of innocence. We look forward to proceeding with our case in United States District Court.”
Related: ‘Ambassador of Aloha’ Beats Up Monk Seal Attacker on Maui as Officials Cheer (Video)
The judge also banned Lytvynchuk from going to the beach. U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader told him: “You’re not going to the beach, you understand that.”
In the wake of the incident, and the beating Lytvynchuk received by local vigilantes, he has apparently faced a barrage of backlash – including death threats, doxing, and even a package containing feces delivered to his residence.
Myles Breiner, Lytvynchuk’s lawyer, detailed the harassment his client has received. As for the beating, Lytvynchuk did not press charges.
In his own defense, Lytvynchuk has said that he was attempting to scare away the monk seal from some nearby turtles by throwing a coconut-sized rock at it. Breiner said: “So his response was not to hurt this monk seal, but to get it away from the turtles.”
Per the courts:
“If convicted, Lytvynchuk, faces up to one year in prison for each charge, plus a term of supervised release. Lytvynchuk also faces a fine of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act, a fine of up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and a fine of up to $100,000 under the Criminal Fine Improvements Act.”
That’s a potential total of $170,000.
Lytvynchuk’s next hearing is set for June 9th.
Related: Hawaii Monk Seal Attacker Says He Was a ‘Good Samaritan’ Saving Turtles (Video)
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