Man Sentenced for Tesla-Related Arson

A man has received a five-year prison sentence for committing arson at a Tesla dealership, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona.

Ian William Moses, who admitted guilt last year, learned his fate on Tuesday from U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa. His sentence consists of a mandatory minimum of 60 months in prison, alongside 36 months of supervised release.

Court documents indicate that surveillance footage captured Moses at the Tesla dealership in Mesa during the early hours of April 28, 2025. He was seen wearing a black hoodie, a tan ball cap, gray pants, black boots, and a mask, while carrying a red gas can and a black backpack. Video evidence showed him placing a fire starter log next to the dealership, allowing gasoline to seep onto it, which ignited and ultimately set three Tesla vehicles and part of the building ablaze.

Around 1:38 a.m., Moses lit the starter, resulting in the destruction of a silver Tesla Cybertruck. The footage depicts him fleeing the scene on a dark bicycle shortly after the fire ignited.

Last year, vandalism directed at Tesla surged, seemingly in response to the significant actions of CEO Elon Musk within the Department of Government Efficiency and his connections with former President Donald Trump.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Corchaine remarked, “Arson has no place in American politics. Mr. Moses’ actions endangered both the public and first responders, potentially leading to deadly outcomes.”

Corchaine also emphasized that the five-year sentence is a reflection of the gravity of such crimes, underlining the necessity for accountability in politically motivated attacks impacting Arizona communities and businesses.