Fargo, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) A 29-year-old Fargo man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court.
He admitted to an armed carjacking and a two-week vehicle theft spree.
Plea entered in federal court
Nathaniel Thomas Smith pleaded guilty on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in U.S. District Court.
He pleaded guilty to robbery and eight counts tied to stolen vehicles.
Prosecutors said the vehicles were moved across state lines.
Smith apologized in court.
He said he has faced hard times for years.
He said he wishes he could take it back.
Armed carjacking of a work crew
The most serious count comes from a Sept. 8, 2025, incident in Fargo.
Court records say Smith showed a firearm during the carjacking.
The victims were employees of Snow & Lawn Dynamics.
Prosecutors said Smith took a vehicle and a trailer.
They said the business losses topped $20,000.
In court, both sides said the gun was shown.
They also said it was not pointed at anyone.
Smith faces up to 20 years in prison on that count.
Eight vehicles moved across state lines
The plea agreement lists eight other stolen vehicles.
Prosecutors said Smith moved them between North Dakota and Minnesota.
All vehicles were recovered.
Prosecutors said they were damaged.
- 2013 GMC Sierra, white. Stolen Aug. 29 in Minnesota.
- 2006 Dodge Ram, blue. Stolen Sept. 1–5 in Minnesota.
- 2003 Chevy Silverado, red. Stolen Sept. 2–5 in Minnesota.
- 2019 Chevy Silverado, black. Stolen Sept. 7–8 in Minnesota.
- 2024 Ford Maverick, gray. Stolen Sept. 8–9 in North Dakota.
- 2014 Chrysler Town & Country, white. Stolen Sept. 9–11 in North Dakota.
- 2020 Kenworth semi tractor, white. Stolen Sept. 9–11 in Minnesota.
- Vehicle and trailer taken in the Sept. 8 carjacking.
Each interstate count carries up to 10 years in prison.
Each count also carries a possible $250,000 fine.
Restitution is expected.
The amount has not been set.
Claimed effort to erase evidence
Court documents describe a recorded jail call after a Sept. 12 arrest.
Prosecutors said Smith told someone to remotely wipe a phone.
They say it was an effort to hinder the federal case.
Prosecutors added an obstruction enhancement to the guideline calculation.
The plea agreement lists a combined offense level of 27.
It includes firearm brandishing and acceptance of responsibility.
What happens next
Sentencing is set for May 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Smith remains held at the Cass County Jail.
For background, readers can review the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota.
Readers can also see federal case updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota.
Federal carjacking law is outlined at 18 U.S.C. § 2119.
Interstate vehicle theft law is at 18 U.S.C. § 2312.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.