Man accused of damaging cell phone, radio towers

A Utica man is accused of causing extensive damage to several cell phone and radio towers around the county, according to law enforcement officials.

Authorities with the Sheriff’s Office could not say if the vandalism had anything to do with popular internet conspiracy theories regarding the release of new 5G cell networks and health concerns.

Starting in early November, both the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Utica Police Department began receiving complaints of damage and frequent disruptions to radio and cellular towers within the county. There were similar damage reports in Herkimer County. Authorities said the damage was capable of disrupting communications between first-responders, putting people in need of help in further danger. On Dec. 3, the Sheriff’s Office and the New Hartford Police Department responded to a National Grid location on Campion Road for reports that a man had climbed a fence and shut off power to a tower, attempting to disrupt communications. The suspect and his vehicle were identified, and deputies said they took 38-year-old Nathaniel Sergio into custody at his residence in Utica.

Deputies said Sergio was interviewed, and he admitted to causing damage at numerous towers within Oneida and Herkimer counties.

Between the Sheriff’s Office and Utica Police, authorities said Sergio has been charged with two counts each of second-degree mischief and criminal tampering, as well as one count of criminal trespass. Sergio was arraigned in court and was released due to bail reform law, authorities said. He is scheduled to reappear in court. Investigations are continuing into the damage at the towers and additional charges are expected.

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