LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A federal judge scheduled a trial Tuesday for June for the man accused of firebombing several Tesla vehicles at a Las Vegas collision center last month.
A federal grand jury voted last week to indict Paul Kim, 36, the man police say is responsible for the fires at the Tesla center located at 6260 West Badura Avenue near Jones Boulevard and Warm Springs Road.
Las Vegas Metro police arrested Kim on Wednesday, March 26, on state charges including arson and possessing an explosive device, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported.
Last week, the grand jury voted to indict Kim on charges of arson of property used in interstate commerce and possession of an unregistered firearm, records said. Kim’s original federal case was closed.
Kim pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday, records said. A trial before Judge Jennifer Dorsey was scheduled to begin June 17. Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts ordered Kim to remain in custody Tuesday, and no future court date was scheduled regarding Kim’s detention.
Kim’s attorneys have argued that a Korean translator provided to the court during a previous detention hearing inadequately translated Kim’s mother’s testimony regarding their relationship. They allege the answers through the translator misled a judge to reach her decision to detain Kim pending trial.
Kim still faces state charges but was not due in court on those until August.
