Man accused of torching Cybertruck at East Valley Tesla dealership indicted
The arson suspect at the center of a Tesla vandalism arrest earlier this week has been formally indicted by a jury in Arizona. Here are the details.
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PHOENIX — A federal grand jury indicted the man accused of starting a fire at a Mesa Tesla dealership on Wednesday, according to authorities.
Ian Moses, 36, allegedly destroyed a new Cybertruck outside a dealership near Southern Avenue and Sossaman Road on Monday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
The fire started after Moses allegedly ignited fire starter logs he placed near the building and poured gasoline onto, prosecutors said.
According to ABC15, the word “THEIF” (sic) was painted on the wall of the building.
What led to Tesla arson arrest in Mesa?
A joint probe involving local and federal authorities was launched, with investigators from the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Investigators used video evidence to identify Moses as the suspect, prosecutors said.
Officers with the Mesa Police Department arrested Moses around 3 a.m. about a quarter-mile from the Tesla dealership. He was dressed in the same clothes he wore to the scene of the crime, prosecutors said.
The officers allegedly found a hand drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket that included a box with the letter “T” that marked the dealership’s address.
Pam Bondi comments after Tesla arson arrest in Arizona
After the arrest, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said she was pleased to announce federal charges against him.
Today we are pleased to announce federal charges against a Tesla attacker arrested in Arizona.
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.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 29, 2025
“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,” Bondi said. “No negotiating.”
Charges for man accused of torching, vandalizing Tesla dealership in Arizona
The jury handed Moses a 5-count indictment.
Each count of malicious damage to property in interstate commerce comes with a minimum penalty of five years in prison upon conviction, prosecutors said. The maximum penalty for each count is 20 years in prison, as well as a fine of $250,000.
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