Three Missouri men face federal charges over an alleged plan to force a Connecticut resident to surrender Bitcoin. Federal prosecutors say Sedric Louis, John Davis and Martel Williams traveled from Missouri to Connecticut between Aug. 21 and Aug. 24, 2024, where they allegedly rented vehicles, obtained air rifles and walkie-talkies, and followed the intended target and his parents for two days. The group abandoned the attempt after becoming concerned they were recorded by home-security cameras and frustrated by poor communication with alleged co-conspirators. The case is linked to the theft of approximately 4,100 BTC, worth roughly $245 million at the time, from a Washington, D.C., resident through a social-engineering scheme.
Missouri Suspects Conducted Two-Day Surveillance in Connecticut
Prosecutors allege the three men arrived in Connecticut and prepared for the robbery by renting vehicles and obtaining air rifles and walkie-talkies. The group followed the intended target and his parents for two days. Their plan was to force their way into the family's home, threaten the target and compel him to transfer stolen cryptocurrency into wallets controlled by the operation's coordinators. The suspects abandoned the attempt after becoming concerned that they were recorded by home-security cameras. They were also reportedly frustrated by poor communication with their alleged co-conspirators.
Florida Group Executed Violent Kidnapping on Aug. 25, 2024
Authorities allege that another group from Florida arrived shortly afterward to attempt the robbery. On Aug. 25, 2024, six men allegedly rammed the couple's Lamborghini Urus, dragged them from the vehicle and forced them into a van. The victims were beaten and restrained before witnesses alerted police. A pursuit ended with officers rescuing the couple and arresting the suspects. The alleged target was the couple's son, who prosecutors say participated in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin.
Investigation Linked to $245 Million Bitcoin Theft
The wider investigation has been connected to the theft of roughly 4,100 BTC from a Washington, D.C., resident. The cryptocurrency was worth approximately $245 million at the time. The theft was reportedly carried out through a sophisticated social-engineering scheme in which attackers impersonated technology and cryptocurrency-platform support staff. Prosecutors allege that some of the stolen funds were later spent on luxury cars, jewelry, expensive rental properties and nightclub parties. Several people connected to the wider cryptocurrency theft and kidnapping conspiracy have already pleaded guilty.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment on May 22, 2026
A federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment against Louis, Davis and Williams on May 22, 2026. All three have pleaded not guilty. Louis and Davis are still in custody, while Williams was released on bond. They face one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, commonly known as Hobbs Act robbery. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
FAQ
What were the three Missouri men charged with in the Connecticut Bitcoin case?
Sedric Louis, John Davis and Martel Williams were charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, commonly known as Hobbs Act robbery. The charge stems from their alleged plan to force a Connecticut resident to surrender Bitcoin between Aug. 21 and Aug. 24, 2024.
How much Bitcoin was stolen in the case linked to the Connecticut kidnapping?
The investigation is connected to the theft of approximately 4,100 BTC from a Washington, D.C., resident. The cryptocurrency was worth roughly $245 million at the time of the theft. Prosecutors say the theft was carried out through a social-engineering scheme in which attackers impersonated technology and cryptocurrency-platform support staff.
