The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona has handed down a five-year prison sentence to the individual who pleaded guilty to Tesla-related arson. Ian William Moses, who admitted to the crime last year, received his punishment on Tuesday from U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa. The sentence includes 60 months of imprisonment, the mandatory minimum, followed by 36 months of supervised release.
Surveillance footage captured Moses at the Tesla dealership in Mesa in the early hours of Monday, April 28, 2025. Dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask, he was seen carrying a red plastic gas can and a black backpack. Moses was observed placing fire starter logs next to the dealership building and pouring gasoline on the logs, the building, and three Tesla vehicles. He then ignited the logs, causing a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck before leaving the scene on a dark-colored bicycle.
The incident occurred amidst a wave of anti-Tesla vandalism linked to backlash against billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his association with former President Donald Trump.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine condemned Moses’ actions, stating that arson should never be a part of American politics. He emphasized that Moses’ actions endangered the public and first responders, potentially leading to tragic consequences. Courchaine underscored the severity of the crimes by imposing a five-year sentence, sending a clear message that politically motivated attacks on Arizona’s communities and businesses will be met with full accountability.
