In an unexpected turn of events here in Minnesota, local media outlets, typically aligned with progressive viewpoints, have begun scrutinizing the actions of a left-leaning county prosecutor. This shift was seemingly prompted, or perhaps even influenced, by a critical piece from The New York Post, which has shone a spotlight on questionable decisions made by the prosecutor concerning a series of Tesla vehicle vandalizations.

Mary Moriarty, who was elected as the County Attorney for Minneapolis in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, has drawn comparisons to other progressive prosecutors such as Manhattan's Alvin Bragg and the ousted Chesa Boudin from San Francisco. Moriarty's recent choices in prosecutorial discretion have raised serious eyebrows, particularly in the case involving Dylan Adams, a 33-year-old state employee.

Adams was caught on video vandalizing six Teslas in late March during a period marked by a nationwide surge of politically motivated attacks against Elon Musks electric vehicle company. The damage incurred was substantial, totaling $21,000, with over $10,000 inflicted on a single vehicle alone.

Despite the significant nature of the offenses, which included multiple felonies, Moriarty opted not to pursue criminal charges against Adams. Instead, she offered him a diversion program, which is typically reserved for less severe offenses. The rationale provided by Moriarty was that diversion programs are designed to reduce recidivism rates and contribute positively to public safety. She stated that such programs help individuals maintain their employment, a point particularly relevant in this case given Adams' role as a taxpayer-funded employee at the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

However, this decision has been met with skepticism, especially because Moriarty's own office guidelines specify that diversion is typically applicable only to property crimes involving damages under $5,000. Adding to the controversy, on the very same day she announced the diversion for Adams, Moriarty charged a 19-year-old woman with a first-degree felony for keying a vehicle belonging to a coworker at White Castle. This particular incident involved damage costing merely $7,000, and the young woman had no prior criminal record.

The implications of Moriartys decision are stark. Critics have drawn a striking contrast between how she treats high-profile cases involving politically charged motives versus lesser offenses committed by individuals without political backing. The Minneapolis Star Tribune, generally considered a left-leaning publication, has echoed these concerns in its coverage, highlighting various low points from Moriarty's tenure.

Her reputation has become so contentious that neighboring Anoka County's lead prosecutor, Brad Johnson, publicly declared he would have pursued charges against Adams to prevent any negative precedents from being set in the North Metro area. This raises a critical question: What message does Moriartys non-charging decision send to potential offenders in Hennepin County, the states most densely populated area? Many fear it may suggest that vandalism against certain targets is permissible if the act aligns with leftist ideologies.

In response to the growing backlash, Moriarty stated, We try to make charging decisions without really looking at the political consequences. However, she acknowledged that it is difficult to predict how the media or the public will react to such decisions, indicating a disconnect between her professed neutrality and the evident political implications of her choices.

Moriarty's defense of her decision reflects a broader narrative that suggests laws may not apply equally to different groups, particularly when those groups have Democratic affiliations or leanings. She questioned whether political considerations should influence how offenders are treated, asserting that her office made their choice based on public safety interests.

The ongoing saga has been compounded by the Minneapolis Police Departments frustration with Moriartys decision not to prosecute. Chief Brian OHara stated, The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office. This statement underscores a significant rift between law enforcement and the prosecutorial office.

The political backdrop to this conflict reveals further complexities; Jacob Frey, the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, had endorsed Moriartys opponent in the 2022 elections, highlighting divisions within the party itself. Such tensions suggest that even among Democrats, there is discontent with Moriartys handling of crime and justice in the community.

As Moriarty approaches her re-election in 2026, the fallout from this incident and her handling of similar cases will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping public perception. Observers, including policy analysts and concerned citizens, will be watching closely to see how these issues unfold and impact the broader narrative surrounding crime and punishment in Minnesota.

Bill Glahn, a policy fellow at the Minnesota-based Center of the American Experiment, provides insight into the ongoing turmoil surrounding this significant case.