By: Devin Fry
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A 29-year-old Fargo man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after an armed carjacking and a two-week crime spree in which he stole eight vehicles and transported them across state lines.
Nathaniel Thomas Smith entered a plea agreement Jan. 5 in U.S. District Court, admitting to robbery and eight counts of interstate transportation of stolen vehicles, according to federal court documents.
Armed carjacking of landscaping crew
The most serious charge stems from a Sept. 8, 2025, incident in which Smith brandished a firearm and carjacked employees of Snow & Lawn Dynamics while they were working in Fargo. Smith stole a motor vehicle and trailer, causing more than $20,000 in losses to the business.
The robbery affected interstate commerce, triggering federal jurisdiction under the Hobbs Act. Smith faces up to 20 years in prison on that count alone.
Eight stolen vehicles transported across state lines
Between late August and mid-September 2025, Smith stole eight vehicles and transported them between North Dakota and Minnesota, according to the plea agreement:
- A white 2013 GMC Sierra (stolen from Minnesota, Aug. 29)
- A blue 2006 Dodge Ram (stolen from Minnesota, Sept. 1-5)
- A red 2003 Chevy Silverado (stolen from Minnesota, Sept. 2-5)
- A black 2019 Chevy Silverado (stolen from Minnesota, Sept. 7-8)
- A gray 2024 Ford Maverick (stolen from North Dakota, Sept. 8-9)
- A white 2014 Chrysler Town & Country Van (stolen from North Dakota, Sept. 9-11)
- A white 2020 Kenworth Semi Tractor Truck (stolen from Minnesota, Sept. 9-11)
- The vehicle and trailer taken in the armed carjacking
The combined losses from the vehicle thefts exceeded $150,000.
Each interstate vehicle theft count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Attempted evidence destruction
After his Sept. 12 arrest on state charges, Smith attempted to obstruct the federal investigation by directing another person to remotely wipe a phone during a recorded jail call, according to court documents.
“Log into her phone and delete the entire thing; wipe it remotely,” Smith told the person. “Go to your Google and wipe that son of a b****.”
Federal prosecutors added an obstruction enhancement to Smith’s sentencing guidelines for attempting to destroy material evidence.
Sentencing guidelines
Under the plea agreement, Smith’s combined offense level is 27 after accounting for brandishing a firearm, carjacking, the dollar amounts stolen, reckless endangerment, obstruction of justice, and acceptance of responsibility.
Federal prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence at the low end of the applicable guideline range. Smith would also have to pay restitution to the victims.
The plea agreement is binding only on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota and does not prevent state prosecutors from pursuing additional charges. Smith also has the opportunity to withdraw the plea before sentencing.
Smith remains incarcerated at the Cass County Jail, where he faces separate state charges for allegedly creating a weapon and damaging property while in custody.
