Bristol Twp. Man Accused Of Causing $1.5 Million In Damage To Power Plants, Not Paying Taxes On Profits From Stolen Goods

A Bristol Township man was charged by federal authorities with causing $1.5 million in damage to decommissioned power plants in the region, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Michael Garrison, 43, of the township’s Croydon section, was charged Friday by information with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to destroy an energy facility, eight counts of wire fraud, two counts of destruction of an energy facility, and one count of filing a false tax return.

Following an investigation by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division, authorities allege that Garrison broke into closed coal-fired power plants that had been decommissioned between 2018 and August 2021. He would steal copper wire and other metals from the facilities.

“Between January 2020 and August 2021, Garrison sold stolen scrap on approximately 175 separate occasions to a Philadelphia scrap yard, for which he was paid more than $117,000,” authorities said.

Federal prosecutors said damage from Garrison’s alleged crimes caused $1.5 million in damage.

Thefts happened from the decommissioned Titus Station in Berks County, Cromby Station in Chester County, Southward Generating Station in Philadelphia, and the Gould Street Generating Station in Baltimore, authorities said.

In addition to the charges related to the break-ins and damage, Garrison is charged with failing to declare the more than $62,000 he was paid in 2020 from the Philadelphia scrap yard, authorities said.

Tax law requires people to report income gained from illegal activities and stolen property.

“No matter the source, all income is taxable,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “Mr. Garrison is alleged to have earned a living by stealing. Income derived from theft is taxable and IRS-CI remain committed to investigating these types of crimes. “

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline Romero said her office will prosecute those who break into or vandalize energy facilities whether they are in operation or closed.

“Brazenly breaking into and damaging a power facility — for any reason — is unacceptable,” said Jacqueline Maguire, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “It’s imperative to hold perpetrators accountable for their destruction and, in doing so, we seek to also deter others from committing such a serious federal crime.”

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.