Charles Wilson from Niagara Falls Charged After Railroad Switch Tampering

A Niagara Falls resident is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he repeatedly tampered with a CSX railroad switch this summer, creating the risk of derailments involving trains carrying hazardous chemicals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the arrest Wednesday following the filing of a criminal complaint.

According to the complaint, the incident began on June 22nd when Amtrak employees informed CSX workers that a padlock had been swapped on a switch at the CSX Transportation Niagara Rail Yard on 29th Street. Railroad switches allow trains to shift from one track to another. The trains operating in that yard regularly transport chlorine, sulfuric acid, and bleach.

Investigators say Amtrak’s lock had been removed and replaced with one designed to be opened with a universal key. Because of the lock change, the switch could not be operated quickly, delaying a passenger train. On June 23rd, CSX installed surveillance cameras in the area. Footage allegedly showed 66-year-old Charles Wilson entering the yard on an ATV and changing the padlock. Workers then had to remove the unauthorized lock and restore the switch to its proper setting.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wilson’s alleged interference created “an interruption and safety concern that could have resulted in a derailment of train cars containing hazardous materials.”

Wilson was allegedly caught on camera again on July 1st, this time operating a mechanical hand switch and moving it into a new position. Additional surveillance images placed him on CSX property on July 2nd and July 6th.

Officials warned that the potential consequences of the tampering could have been severe. They said the possibility of a derailment involving hazardous freight would have been “catastrophic.”

The complaint also notes Wilson’s history with CSX police, stating he has been the subject of investigations for “various issues” dating back to 2013. He was previously arrested in 2014 and 2016 on charges of criminal trespass and criminal tampering.

Wilson now faces a federal charge of attempting to disable a CSX railroad switch “in a manner that could cause derailment or damaged railroad equipment.” The offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Following his initial court appearance, Wilson was ordered held pending a detention hearing.

Charles Wilson from Niagara Falls Charged After Railroad Switch Tampering