Paul Kim, the Las Vegas man accused of setting vehicles on fire at a local Tesla service center in March 2025, has pleaded guilty to all federal counts, bringing a dramatic federal case one step closer to sentencing. He entered the new plea on Monday without a deal in place, accepting multiple arson-related charges and an unlawful-firearm count. Sentencing is set for May 27.
U.S. District Court records show Kim's change-of-plea was filed "without a plea agreement," according to KSNV. Federal prosecutors charged him with four counts tied to the March incident, including arson, attempted arson and possession of an unregistered firearm, the filings state. KSNV also reported that as of December, Clark County prosecutors were still weighing possible state-level charges.
What Investigators Allege
Federal court filings and a U.S. Department of Justice press release describe a predawn attack on March 18 at Tesla Collision Las Vegas that left at least five vehicles damaged and two of them destroyed. Prosecutors say Molotov cocktails were used to ignite the cars, shots were fired into vehicles and the word "RESIST" was spray-painted on the shop's doors. Officials say surveillance video captured the incident, and investigators later recovered firearms, ammunition and other items during a search of the suspect's residence.
Charges, Plea and Penalties
Prosecutors brought four federal counts tied to the episode. Filings and local reports identify two arson counts, an attempted-arson count and an unlawful-possession count. If judges apply the statutory maximums outlined by prosecutors, Kim could face serious prison time, although defense attorneys argue a much shorter sentence is more realistic. Court records show sentencing is scheduled for May 27 at 10 a.m., according to KVVU/FOX5.
National Trend
Prosecutors and national outlets have folded the Las Vegas case into a broader wave of vandalism and violent incidents targeting Tesla properties around the country after the company's CEO took on a high-profile federal advisory role. CBS News reported that investigators have tracked similar Molotov-style attacks and shootings at Tesla dealerships and service centers in multiple states.
Legal Next Steps
Kim remains in federal custody and has a local hearing scheduled in Las Vegas Justice Court on April 8, according to KSNV. Clark County prosecutors' parallel review could still result in separate state charges, which would move on a different legal track and could complicate how any eventual sentences are calculated.
Prosecutors' Stance
The Department of Justice has signaled it is taking attacks on Tesla properties very seriously. In its release, the agency warned that "The Department of Justice has been clear: anyone who participates in the wave of domestic terrorism targeting Tesla properties will suffer severe legal consequences." The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys alongside the National Security Division's counterterrorism lawyers, with investigative assistance from the FBI and ATF. Prosecutors' sentencing arguments, including any push for enhancements, are expected to play out at the May 27 hearing.
