Intense backlash surrounds Minnesota DA Mary Moriarty’s decision to divert, rather than criminally charge, a state analyst accused of damaging multiple Teslas.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Moriarty diverted rather than charged Dylan Bryan Adams for vandalizing Teslas.
- Dylan Bryan Adams, a fiscal analyst for Governor Tim Walz, was allegedly seen keying Teslas.
- The vandalism resulted in over $20,000 in damages to six vehicles.
- Moriarty has faced repeated criticism for lenient law enforcement approaches.
- Minneapolis police expressed frustration over Adams not facing criminal charges.
DA Diverts Criminal Charges
Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, sparked a fervent backlash with her choice to seek “diversion” for Dylan Bryan Adams, following his alleged involvement in damaging Teslas. The decision comes in place of criminal charges, a move Moriarty and her office defended as a common resolution for property crimes. Moriarty posits that diversion aims to enable restitution and decrease recidivism while maintaining individuals’ employment status.
This approach did little to appease critics, including Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who underscored his department’s thorough investigations and the implications for the victims involved.
Adams, a 33-year-old government employee, is primarily identified as a fiscal policy analyst for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He was allegedly caught on camera inflicting damage on Tesla vehicles, causing over $20,000 in damage.
The Evidence and the Response
A camera captured Adams in the act of keying and stripping paint from the Teslas, leading to his arrest. Yet, despite police evidence that suggested felony offenses, Moriarty opted for diversion. The Minneapolis Police Department registered their frustration, with Chief O’Hara noting the department’s efforts in identifying trends, suspects, and coordinating cases with the Attorney’s Office.
“The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. It identified and investigated a crime trend, identified, and arrested a suspect, and presented a case file to the Hennepin County Attorney Office for consideration of charges. This case impacted at least six different victims and totaled over $20,000 in damages. Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office. Our investigators are always frustrated when the cases they poured their hearts into are declined. In my experience, the victims in these cases often feel the same,” said the Minneapolis Police Department in a statement.
.@MaryMoriarty There is NO Justice in Minnesota anymore. https://t.co/CBGm6bkahc Evidently it is okay now to vandalize 4 Tesla's to the tune of 20,000 $ in damage and not be charged. This person should be charged federally for a hate crime and thrown in prison. @MinnesotaMiners
— Minnesota Miners (@MinnesotaMiners) April 22, 2025
O’Hara’s expressions reflect broader sentiments of discontent over the outcome, reinforcing tension in the community and highlighting divergent approaches in law enforcement and crime resolution. Moriarty’s decisions before this case have previously attracted criticism concerning the leniency perceived within her prosecutorial agenda.
Background of Critique and Controversy
Moriarty’s term has been marked by contentious decisions, the first being the dropping of charges for a man accused of rape due to prosecutorial misconduct. Her tenure since January 2023 is riddled with accusations that her policies lean towards undue leniency. Moriarty’s supporters maintain that her methods focus on longer-term community wellbeing through rehabilitation, yet this stance remains divisive.
The decision regarding Adams demonstrates Moriarty’s tenacity to hold firm amidst criticism, but also serves as a lightning rod for debate about justice and reform. As voices from law enforcement and the community express agitation, the broader debate over the efficacy of diversion and leniency in the judicial process persists, with Adams’ case sitting at its center.
Sources:
- OUTRAGEOUS: Soros-Backed County Attorney Says Member of Tim Walz Administration Won’t Face Criminal Charges For Vandalizing at Least 6 Teslas – Police Blast Decision! | The Gateway Pundit | by Cristina Laila
- Minnesota state employee who allegedly caused over $20K in damages to Teslas is let off by woke DA — as cops slam deal
