Man accused of sea lion decapitation defends his innocence
By Ricardo Tovar
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PACIFIC GROVE, California (KSBW) — The man accused of decapitating a sea lion in Pacific Grove is sharing his side of the story, claiming a photo taken by his daughter proves his innocence.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) placed Jason Bietz of Hanford on a wanted poster and offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest after a sea lion was found along Point Pinos Beach in Pacific Grove in June without its head.
“We are seeking information on the person who decapitated the animal and any other details surrounding the incident,” NOAA said.
After seeing the notice, Bietz contacted NOAA to assert his innocence, citing a photo taken by his daughter as evidence.
“It showed the sea lion in the exact same position and the exact same condition as it was seen by law enforcement later that night,” Bietz said.
He said the photo was taken approximately five hours earlier that day, which he believes proves he did not desecrate the sea lion.
“Luckily, that investigator, you know, he gave me an opportunity to speak to him to explain him exactly what happened and provide him, not just my side of the story, but evidence, to the contrary of what this woman claimed,” he told FOX26.
NOAA removed the wanted poster of Bietz from its website and wrote, “The individual has been located, and it was determined that no marine mammal parts were removed from the beach. We thank the public for their help and concern in this matter.”
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