LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A man accused of setting Tesla vehicles on fire at Las Vegas collision center last year has changed his plea to plead guilty to federal charges. There was no plea agreement in place with prosecutors.
On Monday, Paul Kim appeared before Judge Jennifer Dorsey, who determined he was competent to enter a guilty plea to the following:
- two counts of arson
- one count of attempted arson
- one count of possessing an unregistered firearm
According to court records, Kim is facing up to 20 years in prison for each arson charge and up to 10 years in prison for the firearm charge. With all four charges combined, Kim is facing up to 70 years in prison with a 12-year period of supervised release, and a fine of up to $750,000.
Dorsey did not say if the sentences would be consecutive or concurrent.
APRIL 2025: Federal grand jury indicts Tesla arson suspect
After the hearing, I asked Kim's attorneys why Kim decided to change his plea. It came down to two main factors: being able to appeal sentencing if they believe the court's reasoning is flawed, and other enhancements won't be applicable. For example, prosecutors were looking at possibly adding a domestic terrorism enhancement, which could have added decades to Kim's sentence.
In terms of how much time Kim will actually serve, his attorneys said based on existing precedent and cases that have been prosecuted in California and Arizona, they believe he could face between five and 20 years in prison.
A sentencing hearing has been set in federal court for May 27.
Kim is also facing over a dozen state charges, including arson, destroying property, possessing a firearm, and discharging a firearm into a vehicle. However, his attorneys said they believe those charges could be dropped as a result of Kim pleading guilty to federal charges.
When looking at state charges, court records show a status check is set for April 8.
-
FULL REMARKS: Sheriff Kevin McMahill speaks after second officer shot in line of duty in less than a week
This is the 10th officer-involved shooting for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for 2026
Man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur's killing is on trial. What to know.
Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, faces one charge of murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang in Tupac Shakur's death.
Two dead, officer hospitalized after overnight Spring Valley shooting
We have team coverage this Monday morning after an officer was shot during an overnight barricade situation in Spring Valley Monday morning. Here's the latest.
LVMPD identifies officer in Spring Valley shooting that left two dead
It happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 4500 block of Pigeon Point Court, near the intersection of Peace Way, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
