The attorney for Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a businessman accused of harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, is defending his client after the incident was recorded and went viral online. Lytvynchuk, 38, hailing from Covington, Washington, faces allegations of throwing a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal earlier this month. This species is among the rarest marine mammals in the world.
Lytvynchuk was arrested near Seattle and charged under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If found guilty, he might receive up to a one-year prison sentence for each charge. Additionally, he risks fines up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Lytvynchuk’s lawyer, Myles Breiner, argues that his client never intended to harm the animal. “He never intended to injure the monk seal,” Breiner asserted. According to Breiner, Lytvynchuk thought he was safeguarding sea turtles, known as honu, resting on nearby rocks.
Breiner said that Lytvynchuk aimed to scare off the seal from two large turtles, claiming one turtle had already been displaced by the seal. Lytvynchuk was reportedly unaware of the monk seals’ endangered status. His actions stemmed from experiences with aggressive sea lions in Washington, where he fishes.
Prosecutors utilized a viral video and witness statements in their case against him. Witnesses claimed he boasted about being “rich enough to pay the fines,” a statement Breiner challenges. During the incident on a Maui shoreline, a video captured a person, allegedly Lytvynchuk, throwing a rock towards the seal.
Dialoguing with witnesses, Lytvynchuk purportedly commented about his financial capacity to cover fines if he encountered legal trouble. Business records reveal Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking business in Kent, Washington.
Breiner stated that his client is prepared to accept responsibility for his actions, but he contests claims that Lytvynchuk intended to injure the monk seal. “He acknowledges making a poor decision, but the decision wasn’t aimed at harming the animal,” Breiner maintained.
The lawyer also clarified reports about Lytvynchuk’s alleged comments on his wealth were misinterpreted. Breiner explained the intent was merely to convey financial capability, stating, “I can afford it.”