Tesla vandal not likely to face criminal charges, Hennepin County Attorney's Office says

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) said Monday it will not seek criminal charges against 33-year-old Dylan Adams, who allegedly vandalized at least six Tesla vehicles, causing $20,000 in damage.

Instead, HCAO said they will seek "diversion" rather than criminal consequences. However, criminal charges remain on the table, if the vandalism were to continue.

What they're saying:

HCAO released a statement Monday night.

"Our main priorities are to secure restitution for the victims and hold Mr. Adams accountable. As a result, we will file for pre-charge diversion to best facilitate both of those goals," HCAO spokesperson Daniel Borgertpoepping said. "This is an approach taken in many property crime cases and helps to ensure the individual keeps their job and can pay restitution, as well as reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses. Criminal prosecution remains a possibility should unlawful behavior continue."

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara provided the following statement regarding the Hennepin County Attorney's Office decision: 

"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."

Adams' attorney, Robert Paule, sent FOX 9 the following statement: 

"My client is very remorseful for his actions and is beginning the process of making sure the victims are made whole financially. We are grateful for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office exercise of prosecutorial discretion, and apologize to the victims and law enforcement."

Tesla vandal arrested

The backstory:

Minneapolis police arrested the suspect last week. Each act of vandalism rose to a felony vandalism offense, meaning causing at least $1,000 in damage, police said.

In total, police said the vandalism caused $20,000 in damage.

The vandalism happened mostly in downtown Minneapolis. Videos shown during a news conference last Thursday showed the suspect keying cars while walking his dog.

Dylan Adams is a state employee

Dig deeper:

FOX 9 has learned that Adams works for the State of Minnesota as a data analyst for the Department of Human Services. He started with the Department of Human Services in September of 2018, and his current job title is a financial policy compliance lead. 

The Department of Human Services issued a statement Tuesday morning, saying they're aware of Adams' arrest.

What they're saying:

"We are reviewing the matter at this time. State employees are expected to follow our code of conduct and hold themselves to the highest ethical standards through their words and actions," the statement reads.

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