Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Keonne Rodriguez Pleads Not Guilty, Released on $1M Bail

On Monday, April 29, Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of the non-custodial bitcoin wallet Samourai, entered a plea of not guilty to accusations of operating a money transmitter and engaging in money laundering. Rodriguez secured his release by posting a $1 million bail and will be confined to his residence in Harmony, Pennsylvania, with his movements monitored via geolocation technology.

Rodriguez out on Bail; DOJ to Extradite Samourai Wallet’s William Hill From Portugal

Following the charges and subsequent arrest of co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, 35-year-old Rodriguez was released on a $1 million bond, which was secured using his property in Pennsylvania. This development was initially reported by Matthew Russell Lee of the Inner City Press (ICP). Rodriguez is set to appear in court on May 14, 2024, in Manhattan.

Meanwhile, Hill, aged 65, was detained in Portugal, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicated that he will be extradited, according to details provided by Russell Lee. The duo stands accused of conducting over $2 billion in purportedly illegal transactions since 2015 and of laundering more than $100 million believed to be criminal proceeds.

The ICP coverage on Monday further specifies that as part of the conditions for Rodriguez’s release, he is prohibited from “operate, work for, or perform services for Samourai Wallet.” Additionally, Rodriguez is restricted from contacting Hill unless in the presence of legal counsel. Both are facing charges that include one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and another count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter.

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