Jordan Gerbich, Fatally Shooting Elephant Seal, California 2019

A Santa Maria man was charged with fatally shooting a northern elephant seal on a beach near San Simeon, California. Jordan Gerbich, 30, is accused of taking a marine mammal, a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The northern elephant seal was found on a beach near San Simeon in September 2019. The animal had been shot in the head. Gerbich is charged with fatally shooting the mammal on September 28, 2019.

An information contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Gerbich faces a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison if convicted of the misdemeanor offense.

The case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement with assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather C. Gorman of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.

Gerbich's case highlights the importance of protecting marine life and the consequences of harming protected species.

The incident serves as a reminder for beachgoers to respect wildlife and their habitats.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/santa-maria-man-charged-fatally-shooting-elephant-seal