Cameron Monte Smith, a Canadian citizen, has admitted guilt to federal charges related to attacks on energy infrastructure in the Dakotas, resulting in significant damage. Smith’s plea, entered in U.S. District Court in Bismarck, North Dakota, involves two counts of destruction of energy facilities. He faces potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 per charge. Sentencing is scheduled for December.
Smith’s criminal actions include shooting at the Wheelock Substation in North Dakota in May 2023, causing power outages for over 240 people and $1.2 million in damages, and targeting the Keystone Pipeline near Carpenter, South Dakota, in July 2022, which led to nearly $500,000 in damage and disrupted operations. The case’s motive remains unclear, but evidence points to possible connections with anti-pipeline sentiment, given spray-painted symbols linked to the Dakota Access Pipeline DAPl protests.
Smith’s defense retains the option to appeal, challenging previous court decisions on evidence handling.
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