Hennepin County (trfnews.i234.me) — Dylan Bryan Adams, 33, a financial policy compliance lead at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, was arrested for allegedly vandalizing six Tesla vehicles in Minneapolis, causing over $20,000 in damages. Despite the severity of the offenses, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty opted not to press criminal charges, instead enrolling Adams in a diversion program.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who expressed frustration on behalf of his department and the victims. “The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. 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,” O’Hara stated. “This case impacted at least six different victims and totaled over $20,000 in damages.”
Moriarty defended her decision, emphasizing the benefits of diversion programs for first-time offenders. “If they go through the traditional system, and they have a felony conviction on their record, they are much more likely to come back and commit a new crime,” she explained. “That is because a felony conviction destabilizes their lives; they may lose their job, lose their housing, and it can just lead to future criminal activity.”
Adams’ attorney, Robert Paule, conveyed his client’s remorse and commitment to making restitution. “My client is very remorseful for his actions and is beginning the process of making sure the victims are made whole financially,” Paule stated. “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 has acknowledged Adams’ employment since 2018 and 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,” the department stated.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.