Current:Home > BackSentencing delayed for a New Hampshire man convicted of running an unlicensed bitcoin business-LoTradeCoin
Sentencing delayed for a New Hampshire man convicted of running an unlicensed bitcoin business
View Date:2024-12-23 23:51:39
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday heard from multiple women who said they were victimized by a New Hampshire man’s unlicensed bitcoin exchange business but postponed a sentencing hearing in the case to evaluate whether restitution is appropriate.
Prosecutors said Ian Freeman, a libertarian activist and radio show host, created a business that catered to fraudsters who targeted elderly women with romance scams, serving as “the final step in permanently separating the victims from their money.”
After a two-week trial, he was convicted of eight charges in December, though his conviction on a money laundering charge was later overturned. He was scheduled to be sentenced on the remaining charges, which include operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and conspiracy to commit money laundering, on Monday but the hearing was delayed until next month.
U.S. District Court Judge Joseph LaPlante said the delay was necessary to give Freeman’s attorneys a chance to object to the prosecution’s push to make restitution part of the sentence. Prosecutors also argue he should get a harsher sentence because victims, many of them elderly, were particularly vulnerable.
While the issue of whether those who sent money to Freeman should be considered victims remains unsettled, two of them read letters in court Monday and a third participated by video remotely.
Karen Miller, of Florida, described herself as a lonely widow who got scammed by a man she met on a dating site. At his instruction, she sent $300,000 to Freeman, wiping out her life’s savings. Another woman, Rebecca Viar, told a similar story of taking out three loans and selling her late husband’s truck to send money to the man who duped her.
“My life and countless lives have been ruined financially and emotionally,” she said. She called Freeman “an ugly hearted person” and said her ability to trust others has been forever damaged.
Freeman has been free on bail pending his appeal and sentencing. Supporters who packed the courtroom Monday gave him a raucous standing ovation when he entered the room.
veryGood! (731)
Related
- Inter Miami's MLS playoff failure sets stage for Messi's last act, Alexi Lalas says
- Far from landfall, Florida's inland counties and east coast still battered by Milton
- Avian enthusiasts try to counter the deadly risk of Chicago high-rises for migrating birds
- Martha Stewart Says Prosecutors Should Be Put in a Cuisinart Over Felony Conviction
- 'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
- The Fate of Nobody Wants This Season 2 Revealed
- Princess Kate makes surprise appearance with Prince William after finishing chemotherapy
- Tigers ready to 'fight and claw' against Guardians in decisive Game 5 of ALDS
- NY forest ranger dies fighting fires as air quality warnings are issued in New York and New Jersey
- Chicago man charged with assaulting two officers during protests of Netanyahu address to Congress
Ranking
- Full House's John Stamos Shares Message to Costar Dave Coulier Amid Cancer Battle
- Fisher-Price recalls 2 million baby swings for suffocation risk after 5 deaths
- Disney World and other Orlando parks to reopen Friday after Hurricane Milton shutdown
- Watch dad break down when Airman daughter returns home for his birthday after 3 years
- Biden EPA to charge first-ever ‘methane fee’ for drilling waste by oil and gas companies
- 'It's gone': Hurricane Milton damage blows away retirement dreams in Punta Gorda
- Apple's insider leaks reveal the potential for a new AI fix
- Fall in Love With These Under $100 Designer Michael Kors Handbags With an Extra 20% off Luxury Styles
Recommendation
-
Digital Finance Research Institute Introduce
-
Tech CEO Justin Bingham Dead at 40 After 200-Ft. Fall at National Park in Utah
-
US consumer sentiment slips in October on frustration over high prices
-
Hurricane Leslie tracker: Storm downgraded from Category 2 to Category 1
-
Over 1.4 million Honda, Acura vehicles subject of US probe over potential engine failure
-
Milton by the numbers: At least 5 dead, at least 12 tornadoes, 3.4M without power
-
HISA, Jockeys’ Guild partner with mental-health company to offer jockeys access to care and support
-
1 dead and several injured after a hydrogen sulfide release at a Houston plant