Fargo Carjacker Gets 80 Months In Federal Case
Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A Perham, Minnesota man has been sentenced in federal court after a 12-day crime spree across Minnesota and North Dakota.
Nathaniel Smith, 30, was sentenced Friday, May 29, to 80 months in federal prison. The sentence equals about six and a half years.
Smith appeared before Chief Judge Peter Welte after pleading guilty earlier this year. He admitted to eight federal counts tied to vehicle thefts, a carjacking, and interstate transport of stolen vehicles.
Crime Spree Crossed State Lines
Prosecutors said Smith stole several vehicles during the spree. Those vehicles included four pickups, one car, one van, and a semitruck.
Authorities said Smith moved stolen vehicles between Minnesota and North Dakota. He also fled law enforcement twice during the incidents.
One of the most serious cases involved a Fargo landscaping crew. Prosecutors said Smith carjacked a work truck and trailer from two Snow & Lawn Dynamics employees while showing a gun.
Nathaniel Smith
Judge Cites Cooperation
Federal prosecutors recommended a sentence below the guideline range of 87 to 108 months. They cited Smith’s cooperation after his arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee said Smith admitted to stealing at least two vehicles not first linked to him. Defense attorney Jamie Schiable said the 80-month sentence was a joint recommendation.
Schiable told the court that Smith helped prosecutors build their own case. She said Smith was using methamphetamine and later became remorseful.
Smith told the court he was dealing with psychosis from meth use. He said he used the drug after his father’s sudden death.
Smith also spoke about his past conviction in Minnesota. Court records show he was convicted in 2019 of second-degree manslaughter after his infant daughter died.
Restitution Ordered
Judge Welte called Smith’s statement powerful before giving the sentence. He also recommended placement at a low-level federal facility near Perham.
Smith was ordered to pay nearly $8,000 in special assessments and restitution. Three victims were listed in the case, including Snow & Lawn Dynamics.
More information about federal court cases is available through the United States Courts. Federal inmate information is also available through the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.