Federal Charges Filed Against Alleged Arsonist in Mesa, Arizona
In a striking incident that has sent ripples through the community, a federal grand jury in Phoenix has leveled a five-count indictment against Ian William Moses, a 35-year-old accused of setting fire to a Tesla dealership in Mesa, Arizona.
The charges include Maliciously Damaging Property and Vehicles in Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged crime.
According to the legal documents, on the early morning of April 28, Moses donned a dark hooded sweatshirt and black mask, entering the Tesla parking lot with a red plastic gas can and a black backpack in tow.
Security footage reportedly captured the suspect as he methodically placed fire starter logs adjacent to the dealership, drenched them in gasoline, and ignited the materials, resulting in a devastating fire that consumed a silver Tesla Cybertruck.
Witnesses saw Moses departing the scene on a dark-colored bicycle shortly after the fire was ignited.
Local law enforcement apprehended him roughly a quarter-mile from the dealership, still clad in the same attire worn during the act.
Upon his arrest, officers discovered an intriguing hand-drawn map in Moses’ pocket, clearly marking the Tesla dealership with a conspicuous letter “T.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a stern warning, stating, “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.”
Dan Driscoll, Acting Director of the ATF, emphasized the collaborative efforts of federal and local agencies in swiftly collecting and analyzing crucial evidence in the wake of this deliberate attack.
“This assault represents a severe threat to public safety,” Driscoll asserted, reaffirming the ATF’s commitment to pursuing individuals who jeopardize community safety through violence or destruction.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona added, “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically. These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests; they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. Those who target Tesla with violence will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”
Each count of Malicious Damage to Property in Interstate Commerce is punishable by a minimum of five years up to a maximum of 20 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
