Overview

• NOAA Fisheries’ law enforcement first posted a photo and a $20,000 reward over a July 27 Point Pinos Beach incident, then removed the notice after locating the man.
• The agency’s update states it determined that no marine mammal parts were removed from the beach.
• Jason Bietz denies decapitating the animal and provided a photo he says was taken earlier showing the skull attached, while also denying he carried a knife.
• Witness Rashelle Diaz recorded an exchange in which the man mentioned taking the head and later told reporters she believes she interrupted an attempted removal, though she now acknowledges the head was not taken.
• No arrests or charges have been reported; officials reiterate that possessing marine mammal parts is illegal under federal law, with fines up to $100,000 and potential jail time.