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.
-
Driver in fatal 12-car crash argues case should be DUI, not murder
Jose Gutierrez's attorney has filed a new motion asking to have murder charges dismissed in the northwest Las Vegas crash that killed three people.
Arrest report: Wife recorded arguments with husband before she was found dead
An arrest report is revealing more about what led up to a woman's death and the arrest of her husband for murder earlier this week.
Stabbing, robbery under investigation near Ed Fountain Park
According to LVMPD, a stabbing and robbery happened in the 800 block of North Decatur Boulevard near the park around 12:56 p.m. this Friday.
Barricade forms after alleged domestic dispute, LVMPD and SWAT teams on scene
LVMPD made contact with the suspect before he barricaded himself inside his own residence. SWAT teams were called to respond on scene.
