Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Oversight Employee Who Keyed Six Teslas Avoids Charges in Ironic Twist

Minneapolis, February 17, 2026 – A state employee tasked with helping detect fraud in Minnesota's Medicaid program avoided criminal prosecution last year after allegedly vandalizing multiple Tesla vehicles, highlighting a striking irony that has resurfaced in recent online discussions.

Dylan Bryan Adams, 33 at the time, was arrested in April 2025 by Minneapolis police following incidents in March and early April where at least six Tesla cars were keyed, causing an estimated $20,000 to $21,000 in damages. Surveillance footage from the vehicles' built-in cameras captured a man-later identified as Adams-approaching and damaging the cars, including while walking his dog in areas of downtown Minneapolis and a Target parking lot in the Northeast neighborhood.

Adams worked as a financial policy compliance lead (also described in reports as a data analyst or fiscal policy specialist) at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) since 2018. In that role, he was involved in fiscal policy matters, with some sources indicating responsibilities that included aspects of reviewing or contributing to oversight related to Medicaid fraud prevention-a program that has faced scrutiny over significant improper payments and fraud concerns nationwide.

The vandalism occurred amid public backlash against Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk following his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative under the Trump administration, aimed at identifying government waste and inefficiencies. Some reports and social media commentary suggested the acts were politically motivated in protest of Musk's role.

Despite the evidence-including multiple felony-level vandalism counts, as each incident exceeded $1,000 in damage-Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's office declined to file criminal charges. Instead, citing Adams as a first-time offender with no prior criminal history, prosecutors offered him entry into an adult pre-charge diversion program. The program required Adams to complete specified requirements and pay full restitution to the affected vehicle owners, avoiding a criminal record.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara publicly criticized the decision, noting the strength of the evidence and the impact on multiple victims. Critics, including some local political figures, labeled it an example of selective or "two-tiered" justice, particularly given Adams' state employment under Gov. Tim Walz's administration.

As of late 2025, DHS confirmed Adams remained on the state payroll, though the agency stated no public records existed regarding any internal disciplinary actions related to the incident. No further criminal proceedings or federal charges have been reported in connection with the vandalism.

The case gained renewed attention in February 2026 when details-including Adams' job responsibilities-were highlighted in social media posts, prompting Elon Musk to comment "Small world" on a thread exposing the irony.

The incident underscores ongoing debates over prosecutorial discretion in low-level property crimes, accountability for public employees, and perceptions of bias in handling cases tied to political figures or causes. Authorities have emphasized that diversion programs are standard tools for eligible first-time offenders to promote rehabilitation while ensuring victim restitution.