The Minneapolis Police Department expressed its displeasure at the decision not to charge the man.
A Minnesota state employee will not be prosecuted over allegedly keying six Teslas.
Hennepin County District Attorney Mary Moriarty will alternatively request that Dylan Bryan Adams, a program consultant for the state’s Department of Human Services, be sent to a diversion program.
“Our main priorities are to secure restitution for the victims and hold Mr. Adams accountable,” Hennepin County Attorney’s Office spokesperson Daniel Borgertpoepping said in a statement to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“As a result, we will file for pre-charge diversion to best facilitate both of those goals.
“This is an approach taken in many property crime cases and helps to ensure the individual keeps their job and can pay restitution, as well as reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses.
“Criminal prosecution remains a possibility should unlawful behavior continue.”
Adams was released from jail on April 17, one day after being arrested.
“My client is very remorseful for his actions, and is beginning the process of making sure the victims are made whole financially,” Robert Paule, Adams’s attorney, told the Star Tribune.
“We are grateful for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office exercise of prosecutorial discretion and apologize to the victims and law enforcement.”
The Minnesota Department of Human Services said that it is reviewing the matter.
“State employees are expected to follow our code of conduct and hold themselves to the highest ethical standards through their words and actions,” they said.
The Minneapolis Police Department expressed its displeasure at Moriarty’s decision not to charge Adams.
“It identified and investigated a crime trend, identified and arrested a suspect, and presented a case file to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges,” Brian O’Hara, the police chief, told the Star Tribune.
“This case impacted at least six victims and totaled over $20,000 in damages.
“Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office.
“Our investigators are always frustrated when the cases they poured their hearts into are declined. In my experience, the victims in these cases often feel the same.”
There have been attacks on Teslas and Tesla dealerships nationwide since its CEO, Elon Musk, became part of the Trump administration, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
DOGE has been flagging what it says is waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government and has recommended to agencies which personnel cuts to enact.
The Trump administration has said it has labeled this trend against Tesla as domestic terrorism.