Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty in Tesla Collision Center Arson, Sentencing Set for May

A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to multiple arson and firearm charges connected to a March 2025 attack on a Tesla Collision and service center — a case that spotlighted violent vandalism of EV properties in Nevada.

The plea entered by Paul Kim was “without a plea agreement,” meaning he waived his right to trial but has preserved appeal options, according to court filings.

Federal prosecutors allege Kim used Molotov cocktails and fired a weapon at vehicles parked at the Tesla facility in southwest Las Vegas on March 18, 2025, damaging several cars and destroying others before he was arrested.

Kim now faces two counts of arson, one count of attempted arson and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm, each carrying significant statutory penalties under federal law.

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“It’s a serious federal crime, and the plea reflects the evidence we intend to present at sentencing,” said a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The case underscores law enforcement scrutiny of attacks on high-profile infrastructure following similar vandalism incidents at other dealership sites.

Kim is scheduled to be sentenced May 27, 2026 in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, where prosecutors will recommend a lengthy prison term.

The guilty plea brings the federal prosecution phase toward resolution, though local charges remain possible as authorities continue reviewing related evidence.

Sentencing outcomes could shape how violent property attacks are penalized in similar future crimes.

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