A man admits there were gunshots that damaged power stations in the Dakotas

BISMARCK, ND (AP) — A Canadian man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in shootings at electrical substations and an oil pipeline in the Dakotas that caused $1.7 million in damage.

Cameron Monte Smith pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Bismarck, North Dakota, to two counts of destroying an energy facility — one in North Dakota and one in South Dakota. He could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each charge, the Bismarck Tribune reported. Sentencing is in December.

Federal authorities said Smith, 49, was in the U.S. illegally when he fired shots at the Wheelock substation near Ray, North Dakota, in May 2023, knocking out power to more than 240 people and causing damage to 1, 2 million dollars.

Smith was also convicted of shootings at a Keystone pipeline pumping and transformation station near Carpenter, South Dakota, in July 2022. The shooting disrupted operations at the pipeline, which carries Canadian oil through parts of the U.S. Damage was estimated at almost 500,000 dollars.

A plea agreement requires Smith to pay restitution.

Federal court records do not cite a possible motive. Court documents from the state of North Dakota, where Smith was originally charged, said officers observed “DAPL” and other unspecified symbols spray-painted near the substation. DAPL refers to the Dakota Access oil pipeline, which has been opposed by many Native American tribes and environmentalists.

“This defendant deliberately and very violently attacked our nation’s energy infrastructure,” U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider of North Dakota said in a statement. “Our law enforcement partners put an end to these attacks, and this guilty plea provides a measure of accountability for the defendant’s actions and the great harm he caused.”

Defense attorney Kevin Chapman said Smith’s plea is conditional, reserving the right to appeal. Earlier, a judge denied a motion to suppress evidence that argued the defense relied on illegal searches and seizures.

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