ST. PAUL, MN – In response to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s decision not to prosecute a Walz administration staffer accused of a felony, $20,000 vandalism spree in downtown Minneapolis, Rep. Kristin Robbins (R–Maple Grove) issued the following statement:
“The decision to decline to prosecute a felony case involving six individual incidents of extensive and deliberate property damage, despite video evidence, is both troubling and unacceptable, stated Robbins. The public deserves and expects accountability for crime and the continued failure of Hennepin County Attorney Moriarty to prosecute crime and uphold the rule of law is a violation of her oath of office.”
Last month, multiple Teslas at a downtown Minneapolis parking lot were severely damaged. The incident was caught on surveillance footage, and Minneapolis police recommended felony charges, given the amount of the damage. The suspect, who works for the Department of Human Services in the Walz Administration, was identified and arrested. Yet County Attorney Moriarty chose not to file charges, despite clear evidence and efforts from law enforcement.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara voiced the frustration felt by many:
“The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. It identified and investigated a crime trend, identified and arrested a suspect, and presented a case file to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office for consideration of charges… Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office.”
“This case is a prime example of why I authored legislation, HF 1188, that would allow city prosecutors to bring forward cases when a county attorney declines to act,” said Rep. Robbins. “When political calculations override justice, our communities suffer. Law enforcement must not be undercut by prosecutors unwilling to pursue clear cases of criminal behavior.”
In addition to her bill to empower local prosecutors, Rep. Robbins called on the Walz Administration to immediately fire the staffer involved in the vandalism:
“It is indefensible that this individual remains employed by the Walz administration. Public trust in government starts with accountability. Governor Walz and DHS Commissioner Gandhi should take immediate action.”