In Maryville, Tennessee, 36-year-old Christopher Duke pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of damaging and attempting to destroy an interstate natural gas pipeline facility.

The incident took place on May 9, 2025, when Duke climbed over a chain-link and barbed-wire fence at a natural gas regulation facility, intentionally damaged critical equipment, and triggered a significant gas leak. The leak forced the temporary evacuation of more than 400 residents near the 1220 block of Celtic Road and briefly closed northbound lanes of the US 129 Bypass while emergency responders secured the site.

No injuries were reported.

Duke faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release, with sentencing scheduled for April 15, 2026.