Woman Charged in Federal Court for Alleged Vandalism at Colorado Tesla Dealership

DENVER—Federal prosecutors have filed charges against a woman linked to a series of vandalism incidents at a Tesla dealership in Colorado. This included the use of Molotov cocktails targeting vehicles and the phrase “Nazi cars” spray-painted on the dealership’s building, accompanied by a message seemingly aimed at co-founder Elon Musk.

Lucy Grace Nelson made a brief appearance in federal court in Denver on Thursday following her arrest on a federal charge of malicious destruction of property. Handcuffed at her ankles and wrists, Nelson wore a purple tie-dye shirt and red-and-black checked pants as she sat among other defendants in the jury box, awaiting the proceedings.

As Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter explained her rights, Nelson gently rocked back and forth, while her mother observed from the gallery’s front row.

When Neureiter inquired about the reasons behind the federal charges, Nelson started to speak, but her attorney, public defender Jennifer Beck, quickly intervened to prevent her. Cassie Wiemken from the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the government had a strong interest in prosecuting the case due to the risks associated with the “incendiary devices” allegedly involved.

After noting that Nelson reported no income or expenses in her attorney application, Neureiter was informed by Beck that she receives support from her family.

Neither Nelson’s mother nor her attorney provided comments post-hearing.

Jennifer McCown, Nelson’s sister, mentioned that her sister is devoted to her family and has recently volunteered to provide meals for the homeless.

“She’s a loving, intelligent person who wouldn’t hurt another person for the world,” said McCown in a text, choosing not to address the allegations against Nelson.

Nelson was arrested on Monday for separate state charges after authorities alleged she returned to the Loveland dealership with “additional incendiary devices” and materials for vandalism. However, it remains unclear if state prosecutors have formally charged her. Police indicated Wednesday that they anticipated federal charges to be filed.

Though Nelson was released on bond following her state charge arrest, she was taken into federal custody on Thursday and will be held for the time being. She is set to appear in court again on Tuesday to decide if she will remain in custody during the federal prosecution.

A conviction could lead to a minimum prison sentence of five years.

The federal criminal complaint against Nelson suggests she is believed to have ignited fires using Molotov cocktails created from empty liquor bottles near vehicles, which, according to reports, did not cause significant damage.

Documentation included in the case showed a minor fire near the vehicles. The dealership estimates that vandalism incidents over a month resulted in damages ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, with approximately $5,000 attributed to vehicle damage alone.

Chris Padgett, a spokesperson for the Loveland police, stated that they are exploring the possibility that another individual could be involved.

In one incident, someone spray-painted an obscenity, thought to be directed at Musk, before escaping from a security guard, as noted in a Loveland police affidavit.

At the time of her arrest, police reported finding cans of spray paint, gasoline, bottles, and fabric pieces in Nelson’s vehicle, which could be employed as conductors for an accelerant.