A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a five-count indictment on Wednesday against Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona, for allegedly maliciously damaging property and vehicles in interstate commerce by means of fire.
According to charging documents, Moses was present at the Tesla dealership in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, April 28. He was reportedly wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask, and carrying a red plastic gas can and a black backpack.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured Moses placing fire starter logs next to the dealership building. He then poured gasoline onto the starter logs, the building itself, and three Tesla vehicles parked on the lot. At approximately 1:38 a.m., the logs were ignited, resulting in a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Video evidence reportedly shows Moses leaving the dealership shortly after on a dark-colored bicycle.
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Mesa Police Department officers apprehended Moses around 3 a.m., approximately a quarter mile from the Tesla dealership. He was reportedly still wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage. Following his arrest, officers allegedly discovered a hand-drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket, which included a box marked with the letter “T” indicating the dealership’s location.
The indictment and subsequent statements from law enforcement officials underscored a zero-tolerance stance towards such acts.
“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,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “No negotiating.”
ATF Acting Director Dan Driscoll emphasized the swift collaborative effort in the investigation. “ATF’s Special Agents and forensic investigators, working with the FBI and local partners, quickly recovered and analyzed critical evidence following this deliberate attack,” said Driscoll. “This attack poses a serious threat to public safety and the ATF remains committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who endangers our communities through violence or destruction.”
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U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona strongly condemned the alleged actions. “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically,” said Courchaine. “These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber commended the local law enforcement agencies involved. “I would like to recognize the dedicated work of the Mesa Police and Mesa Fire Departments on this case,” Iber stated. “Cooperation with our law enforcement partners acts as a multiplier in our efforts to remove violent criminals from the streets and make our communities safer. The professionalism and extensive investigative knowledge of the police and fire investigators within our arson taskforce cannot be overstated.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell pledged her office’s support in the prosecution. “My office will be engaged in this investigation, and I’m pleased to be able to share our expertise,” said Mitchell. “We have a high level of success in prosecuting these types of crimes. My office stands ready to assist our federal law enforcement partners in the prosecution of this individual.”
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Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost recognized the officers involved in the initial stages of the investigation. “I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Superstition District Patrol officers who played a crucial role in this investigation. Their swift action in identifying and monitoring the suspicious van parked near the dealership was critical to the success of this operation. I am truly grateful for their diligent police work,” said Chief Cost. “Special thanks also go to the Mesa Police specialty units and the partnering agencies involved. Your collaboration was instrumental in bringing this suspect to justice and enhancing the safety of our community.”
Each count of conviction for Malicious Damage to Property in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, along with a potential fine of $250,000.
The investigation into this incident is being conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Mesa Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo of the District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution of the case.
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