MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A man accused of damaging equipment at a natural gas facility in East Tennessee back in May has pleaded guilty, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee said.

Christopher Duke appeared in court on Dec. 3 where he pleaded guilty to one count of damaging and attempting to destroy an interstate gas pipeline facility.

USAO said on May 9, 2025, Christopher Duke broke into an East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC facility in Maryville and damaged equipment that was used to monitor, meter and regulate the transmission of natural gas. Duke caused thousands of dollars in damage and loss.

Duke is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15. He could face up to 20 years in Federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

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