Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old businessman from Covington, Washington, faces accusations of harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. A viral video captured him allegedly throwing a rock at the animal, sparking public outrage. The incident occurred earlier this month, and beachgoers recorded the event.

Authorities arrested Lytvynchuk near Seattle and charged him with violating the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison per charge and fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Lytvynchuk’s attorney, Myles Breiner, has come forward to defend his client. According to Breiner, Lytvynchuk did not intend to harm the seal. He claimed Lytvynchuk thought he was protecting sea turtles, known locally as honu, resting on shoreline rocks.

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

Breiner explained that Lytvynchuk believed the seal was a threat to the turtles. Lytvynchuk supposedly saw two large turtles, with one already pushed off the rock by the monk seal.

The attorney argued Lytvynchuk did not know monk seals are endangered. Breiner mentioned Lytvynchuk’s past experiences with aggressive sea lions in Washington, which influenced his behavior.

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

Prosecutors used witness accounts and the video to bring charges. According to the complaint, Lytvynchuk allegedly told witnesses he was wealthy enough to handle any fines. Breiner disputes this characterization, stating it was a misunderstanding of Lytvynchuk’s remarks.

Lytvynchuk reportedly mentioned he could afford the fines if trouble arose. Breiner clarified that Lytvynchuk plans to take responsibility for breaking the law, though he challenges claims of intending harm.

Business records show Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking company in Kent, Washington. Despite the charges, Breiner emphasized Lytvynchuk’s acknowledgment of poor judgment in the situation.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Breiner for additional commentary.