KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Maryville man has pleaded guilty in connection to a gas leak that caused hundreds of people to temporarily evacuate earlier this year and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison.
Christopher Duke, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of damaging and attempting to destroy an interstate gas pipeline facility on Wednesday. The conviction carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release of up to three years. Sentencing is set for April 15, 2026.
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The incident occurred on May 9 at a facility in Maryville, which delivers natural gas to businesses and residents in Blount County. According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Duke scaled the chain-link and barbed-wire fence surrounding the facility and damaged equipment used to regulate the transmission of natural gas.
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Over 400 residents near the 1220 block of Celtic Road were temporarily evacuated due to a gas leak and northbound lanes of the US 129 Bypass were also briefly closed while first responders entered the facility. No injuries were reported…