Canadian Man Confesses to Damaging Electrical Substations in the Dakotas

A man from Canada has admitted to committing federal offenses related to shootings at electrical substations and an oil pipeline in North and South Dakota that resulted in $1.7 million in damages. Cameron Monte Smith pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bismarck, North Dakota, to two counts of destruction of an energy facility – one in each state. He faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for each charge, with sentencing scheduled for December.

Authorities stated that Smith, aged 49, was unlawfully present in the U.S. when he shot at the Wheelock Substation near Ray, North Dakota, in May 2023, causing power outages for more than 240 people and $1.2 million in damage. Additionally, Smith was found guilty of firing shots at a transformer and pump station of the Keystone Pipeline near Carpenter, South Dakota, in July 2022, disrupting pipeline operations that transport Canadian oil through the U.S. The shooting led to damages amounting to nearly $500,000.

As part of a plea agreement, Smith is required to pay restitution. Motive details are not mentioned in federal court records. However, in North Dakota state court documents, officers noted the presence of “DAPL” and other unspecified symbols spray-painted near the substation. “DAPL” refers to the Dakota Access oil pipeline, which was a subject of opposition from various Native American tribes and environmentalists.

U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider of North Dakota emphasized the severity of Smith’s actions, describing them as a deliberate and violent assault on the country’s energy infrastructure. Defense attorney Kevin Chapman mentioned that Smith’s guilty plea is conditional, allowing for the possibility of an appeal. Earlier, a judge dismissed a motion to suppress evidence that the defense claimed was gathered through unlawful searches and seizures.