Minnesota Employee Avoids Charges After $21,000 Tesla Vandalism

Dylan Bryan Adams, a fiscal policy analyst for Minnesota's Department of Human Services, was caught on video vandalizing at least six Tesla vehicles in Minneapolis, causing over $21,000 in damage. Despite police determining each incident amounted to a felony, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty opted for a pre-charge diversion program instead of filing criminal charges. Adams will be required to pay restitution to the victims and participate in conditions such as community service, with criminal prosecution remaining a possibility if he reoffends. The decision has sparked frustration from law enforcement and victims, who argue the punishment is too lenient given the scale of the damage. Moriarty's office defended the move as consistent with their approach to many property crime cases, emphasizing accountability and restitution while allowing Adams to keep his job and reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses. Critics, however, contend that the diversion program typically applies to property crimes under $5,000, raising concerns about inconsistent application of justice.