Lee Charles Smith, Destruction of an Energy Facility, Oklahoma 2018

Oklahoma residents are still reeling from the news that Lee Charles Smith, a 32-year-old man from Wynona, Oklahoma, has admitted to dismantling and stealing oil pumping rig equipment from pumpjacks in Osage County.

According to authorities, Smith's crime took place between September 14 and September 17, 2018. His actions were not only a brazen display of thievery, but also an attack on the livelihood of Oklahomans who rely on the oil and gas industry for their economic well-being.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores expressed his outrage at Smith's actions, stating, 'The oil and gas industry is the life blood of the Oklahoma economy. Lee Charles Smith dismantled pumpjack rig motors in Osage County to sell for parts. His thievery was an attack on the livelihood of all Oklahomans.'

Smith pleaded guilty to Destruction of an Energy Facility, a charge that carries serious penalties. His plea agreement admitted to dismantling and stealing the oil pumping rig equipment, causing in excess of $30,000 in damages and disrupting valuable production time.

The investigation was conducted by the Osage County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Proctor is prosecuting the case.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell accepted Smith's plea and set sentencing for January 16, 2020. The United States Attorney's Office has vowed to work with law enforcement partners to prosecute the destruction and theft of pumping equipment.

As the case moves forward, Oklahomans can take comfort in knowing that justice is being served. The dismantling and theft of oil field equipment is a serious crime that has far-reaching consequences. Smith's actions will not go unpunished, and he will face the full weight of the law for his crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/man-admits-dismantling-and-stealing-oil-field-equipment