Peace Garden News

District of North Dakota Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl and District of South Dakota United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced the sentencing of Cameron Monte Smith, a Canadian citizen, by United States District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor. On March 10, 2025, Smith received a 25-year federal prison sentence for two counts of destruction of energy facilities in North Dakota and South Dakota. The sentence includes three years of supervised release and an order to pay $2,124,974.38 in restitution.

Smith admitted guilt on September 11, 2024. He confessed to damaging the Wheelock Substation near Ray, North Dakota in May 2023, causing over $100,000 in damages. The substation is operated by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

Additionally, Smith admitted to damaging equipment at the Keystone Pipeline near Carpenter, South Dakota in July 2022. This act also caused over $100,000 in damages. Smith used a high-power rifle to fire into the equipment at both sites, disrupting electric services in North Dakota and affecting the Keystone Pipeline operations in South Dakota.

Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl stated that this sentence underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to "investigate and aggressively prosecute any attack on our critical civilian infrastructures." She praised law enforcement partners for their efforts in bringing Smith to justice.

Alison J. Ramsdell emphasized that this substantial sentence demonstrates dedication from various legal authorities "to relentlessly investigate" those who threaten national energy infrastructure. She warned that law enforcement will track down individuals who attempt such acts.

ATF Special Agent Travis S. Riddle noted that as a Canadian citizen, Smith was prohibited from possessing firearms in the U.S., highlighting exceptions only for activities like hunting or shooting sports. Riddle expressed satisfaction with the sentencing related to Smith’s guilty plea.

Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis stated that these targeted attacks left significant damage and affected power supply to homes and businesses: “The FBI remains laser-focused on protecting essential infrastructure."

The case involved investigations by multiple agencies including the FBI and ATF alongside local sheriff departments from Williams County (ND), Clark County (SD), Beadle County (SD), and others. Prosecution was led by Assistant U.S Attorneys David D. Hagler and Jonathan J. O’Konek from North Dakota; Jeremy Jehangiri from South Dakota; with assistance from Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.