by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, March 9 – For a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme called IcomTech, which held a promotional event in or near NYC's Times Square, David Carmona on December 21 pled guilty before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Jennifer L. Rochon. Inner City Press was there to cover it - and a related upcoming trial - thread:
Carmona: I was part of a plan to offer to double people's money with Bitcoin. It was called IcomTech. When it couldn't be done, we just kept the money
Judge: What did you tell people you would do with their money?
Carmona: Bitcoin mining. AUSA: They did a promotional event in or near Times Square. We have video.
Judge: I accept your guilty plea.
There are co-defendants and there will be a trial - watch this site.
Another has plead guilty, and now asked for no jail time: Marco Ruiz Ochoa, citing marijuana (edibles).
On January 12, the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for Ruiz Ochoa a sentence near the top of the 57 to 71 month range.
On January 19, Inner City Press attended the sentencing, to five years, thread:
Ochoa of IcomTech has just been sentenced to 5 years in prison. Two US Marshals are here in the back of the courtroom - instant remand?
There are more than a dozen family members of the defendant here. There are tears. He had asked for no jail time. Judge: There must be deterrence... On supervised release, there shall be no nunchucks
Judge: There is forfeuture on $914,000. AUSA, can you submit forfeiture in 75 days? AUSA: I'll do my darnedest... And we agree to voluntary surrender. Judge: March 19.
Another plea: "Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Jennifer L. Rochon: Change of Plea Hearing as to Juan Arellano held on 1/16/2024. Plea entered by Juan Arellano (4) Guilty as to Count 1.. Sentencing scheduled for June 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Detention continued.
On March 9 during the trial, Brend through counsel sought to exclude a statement by Alex Mendoza, allegedly to cooperating witness Juan Arellano, that "Bitclub Network was better than Airbit and it would last long," on the argument that Arellano was not part of the conspiracy.
The case is US v. Carmona, et al., 22-cr-551 (Rochon)
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