TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas utility worker accused of remotely tampering with a public water system’s cleaning procedures has notified a federal court that he plans to change his plea.
Wyatt Travnichek, 22, of Ellsworth County was indicted in March with remotely accessing the Post Rock Rural Water District’s systems in March 2019, about two months after he quit his job with the utility.
He initially pleaded not guilty to the charge. He’s accused of shutting down the facility’s cleaning and disinfecting procedures. When he worked for the utility, he would monitor the water plant remotely by logging into its computer system. A notation entered in the docket on Monday shows his change-of-plea hearing is set for Oct. 20 before U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse in Topeka.
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TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been indicted on a federal charge accusing him of tampering with a public water system, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.
Wyatt A. Travnichek, 22, of Ellsworth County, Kansas is charged with one count of tampering with a public water system and one count of reckless damage to a protected computer during unauthorized access.
“Our office is committed to maintaining and improving its partnership with the state of Kansas in the administration and implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “Drinking water that is considered safe is essential to the protection of the public’s health.”
The indictment alleges that on or about March 27, 2019, in the District of Kansas, Travnichek knowingly accessed the Ellsworth County Rural Water District’s protected computer system without authorization. During this unauthorized access, it is alleged Travnichek performed activities that shut down the processes at the facility which affect the facilities cleaning and disinfecting procedures with the intention of harming the Ellsworth Rural Water District No. 1, also known as Post Rock Rural Water District.
“By illegally tampering with a public drinking water system, the defendant threatened the safety and health of an entire community,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas. “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to upholding the laws designed to protect our drinking water systems from harm or threat of harm. Today’s indictment sends a clear message that individuals who intentionally violate these laws will be vigorously prosecuted.”
Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:
Tampering with a Public Water System: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Reckless Damage to a Protected Computer During Unauthorized Access: Up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.