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A Washington state businessman is facing federal charges after a viral video appeared to show him throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Maui, an incident that has triggered outrage, legal action, and a heated defense from his attorney who insists his client was trying to protect sea turtles.

Viral Video Sparks Federal Charges and Public Backlash

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was arrested near Seattle last week after being charged with harassing and attempting to harass an endangered animal under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to the Department of Justice.

He is accused of throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, during an incident earlier this month captured on camera by beachgoers.

If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison on each charge, a fine of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act, and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Defense Attorney Pushes Back on Intent Claims

Lytvynchuk’s attorney, Myles Breiner, is publicly defending his client and arguing that the situation has been misinterpreted.

"I want to be resoundingly clear to the public — he never intended to injure the monk seal," Breiner told KHON-TV News.

According to Breiner, Lytvynchuk believed he was acting to protect sea turtles, known locally as honu, that were resting on shoreline rocks.

"He wanted to scare the seal away from the honu he saw there," he said. "Apparently, there were two large turtles and one had already been knocked off the rock by the seal."

Breiner added that his client was unfamiliar with Hawaiian monk seals and did not realize they are an endangered species. He also pointed to past experiences in Washington state that shaped his reaction.

"Sea lions are very aggressive," Breiner said. "They’ll take your bait, they’ll take your fish — that’s been his experience."

Video Evidence and Alleged Statement Under Scrutiny

Prosecutors say a viral video, along with witness accounts, helped establish the basis for the charge.

In the footage, a man wearing a white shirt and swim trunks can be seen throwing a rock toward the seal as witnesses react in shock.

"What are you doing? Why would you throw a rock at it? Hello?" a woman can be heard shouting in the video.

According to the complaint, Lytvynchuk later told witnesses he was "rich enough to pay the fines," a claim his attorney disputes.

Business records indicate Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington.

Defense Says Client Accepts Legal Consequences but Disputes Intent

Breiner said Lytvynchuk plans to take responsibility for violating the law but rejects claims that he intended to harm the animal.

"He recognizes he made a bad decision, but the decision wasn’t based on trying to hurt the animal," Breiner said.

The attorney also pushed back on the allegation that Lytvynchuk claimed financial immunity from penalties.

"That was a misinterpretation," Breiner said. "The statement was, ‘I can afford it.’"