Federal prosecutors say a Bexar County man is accused of hacking into a public water utility’s control systems, threatening public safety.
SAN ANTONIO — A Bexar County man has been indicted on federal charges after prosecutors say he allegedly tampered with a public water system and caused damage that threatened public health and safety.
A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment Wednesday charging Mark Anthony Cadena, 36, with three counts related to the alleged incident, according to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons.
Court documents allege Cadena knowingly tampered with and attempted to tamper with a public water system around February 2, 2025. Prosecutors say he also hacked into the water utility’s well and pump control systems, intentionally causing at least $5,000 in damage to a protected computer system and creating a potential threat to public health and safety.
Cadena is charged with one count of tampering with public water systems, one count of attempted tampering, and one count of fraud and related activity involving computers.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the tampering charge and up to 10 years each for the remaining counts. A federal judge will determine sentencing after considering federal guidelines.
An indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.