A Centralia, Washington man has pleaded guilty to vandalizing a power substation in the Portland area. Nathaniel Cheney, 31, admitted in federal court to one count of damaging an energy facility.
According to the U.S Attorney's Office release, Cheney and others caused approximately $26,000 in damage to the Sunnyside substation on November 28, 2022, by targeting essential equipment. A federal grand jury indicted Cheney on March 12, 2024.
Prosecutors Parakram Singh and Geoffrey Barrow stated that Cheney could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He has also agreed to pay full restitution as part of his plea agreement.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
