Suspect Charged in Federal Court for Vandalizing Tesla Dealership in Colorado

Federal prosecutors have charged an individual who identifies as a woman for a series of vandalism incidents at a Tesla dealership in Colorado. The acts included the use of Molotov cocktails thrown at vehicles and graffiti stating “Nazi cars” on the dealership’s exterior, along with a message that seemed to target Elon Musk, the company’s co-founder.

Lucy Grace Nelson, born Justin Thomas Nelson, made a brief appearance in federal court in Denver on Thursday following his arrest on a single charge of malicious destruction of property. He was shackled at the ankles and wrists, dressed in a purple tie-dye shirt and red-and-black checked pants, seated in the jury box alongside other defendants awaiting the call of their cases.

Nelson was seen swaying slightly as Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter explained his rights, while his mother observed from the front row of the courtroom.

When Judge Neureiter inquired about the rationale behind bringing federal charges, Nelson attempted to respond; however, his attorney, public defender Jennifer Beck, quickly intervened to prevent him from speaking. Cassie Wiemken, representing the U.S. Attorney’s Office, stated that the government had a significant interest in prosecuting the case due to the potential threat posed by the “incendiary devices” purportedly involved.

After it was brought to Neureiter’s attention that Nelson had not declared any income or expenses in his application for legal counsel, Beck clarified that he is financially supported by his family.

Following the hearing, both Nelson’s mother and attorney refrained from commenting.

Nelson faced arrest on Monday on separate state charges after police reported that he returned to the Loveland Tesla dealership with “additional incendiary devices” and tools used for the vandalism. However, it remained unclear if state prosecutors have formally lodged charges against him. Authorities indicated on Wednesday that they anticipated federal charges being filed.

After posting bond for the state charges, Nelson was released from jail, but was taken into federal custody on Thursday and will remain detained for the time being. He is set to appear in court again on Tuesday for a hearing to determine whether he will continue to be held during the federal prosecution.

A conviction on the federal charge could result in a minimum five-year prison sentence.

The federal criminal complaint against Nelson alleges he ignited fires with Molotov cocktails made from empty liquor bottles near vehicles, which seemingly caused minimal damage.

Evidence included in the complaint depicted a small fire near the vehicles. The dealership estimated that incidents of vandalism over several weeks led to damages ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, including approximately $5,000 in damage to the cars themselves.

Loveland police spokesperson Chris Padgett has indicated that authorities are looking into the possibility of additional individuals being involved.

In one instance, graffiti was reported that contained an obscenity believed to be aimed at Musk before a security guard intervened and chased the perpetrator away, according to a Loveland police affidavit.

Law enforcement reported that upon Nelson’s arrest, they found cans of spray paint, gasoline, bottles, and various cloth materials in his vehicle that could be used with an accelerant.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.