U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced Ian William Moses, 35, to five years in prison for setting a Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla dealership in Mesa on fire. A grand jury previously indicted him on five counts of maliciously damaging property and vehicles by means of fire, and Moses pleaded guilty to the charges last October. Opponents of Tesla CEO Elon Musk have been damaging Teslas due to opposing his conservative politics.
“Arson can never be an acceptable part of American politics. Mr. Moses’ actions endangered the public and first responders and could have easily turned deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This five-year sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes and makes clear that politically fueled attacks on Arizona’s communities and businesses will be met with full accountability.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the fires “domestic terrorism.” After Moses was indicted, she said, “If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. No negotiating.”
Cameras outside the Tesla dealership showed Moses pouring gas on starter logs next to the Cybertruck, which was located by the dealership building, lighting a fire, then walking away. Officers found him shortly afterwards near the dealership wearing the same clothing and with a hand drawn map showing where the dealership was located.
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