Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
4mo ago

Hennepin County Attorney Faces Backlash Over Tesla Vandalism Diversion Decision

Mary Moriarty defends offering diversion to a state employee who caused $20,000 in damages, as critics allege political bias and inconsistent application of justice.

Image
Image
George Soros, billionaire and founder of Soros Fund Management LLC, on day three of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. World leaders, influential executives, bankers and policy makers attend the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos from Jan. 21 - 24. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

Overview

  • Dylan Bryan Adams, a Minnesota state employee, admitted to vandalizing six Tesla vehicles in a politically motivated spree, causing $20,000 in damages.
  • Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty decided to offer Adams a diversion program instead of filing criminal charges, citing restitution, recidivism reduction, and job preservation benefits.
  • Critics, including law enforcement and Republican officials, accuse Moriarty of hypocrisy and two-tier justice, noting her office charged a 19-year-old woman with a felony for a lesser property crime the same day.
  • Moriarty’s office’s published diversion guidelines reportedly limit eligibility to property crimes under $5,000, raising questions about adherence to policy.
  • Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara criticized the decision, emphasizing the department’s thorough investigation and expressing frustration over the lack of felony charges.