TLDR
- Keonne Rodriguez has asked the crypto community for donations to cover $2 million in legal fees and a $250,000 fine.
- A federal court sentenced Rodriguez to five years in prison on Nov. 19 after he pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money transmitter.
- Samourai Wallet co-founder William Lonergan Hill received a four-year prison sentence in the same case.
- Rodriguez said he accepted a plea deal in July 2025 to avoid longer prison time and higher legal costs.
- He stated that he has exhausted all financial options and now seeks immediate support to repay outstanding debts.
Keonne Rodriguez has asked the crypto community for financial support to cover mounting legal debts. The Samourai Wallet co-founder said he owes about $2 million in legal fees and a $250,000 fine. He appealed after receiving a five-year prison sentence tied to money laundering charges.
Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Seeks Community Support
Rodriguez posted his appeal on X and said he has exhausted all financial options. He wrote that he has been “financially wiped out” after a long legal fight. He said he must now repay $2 million in debt and a $250,000 court-imposed fine.
I am writing from FPC Morgantown prison in West Virginia. It has been about 5 months since I first surrendered myself in December, and I will be honest, the prospect of a Presidential pardon is very low. There was some hope during the Bitcoin 2026 conference, but that has now…
— Keonne Rodriguez (@keonne) May 6, 2026
He stated, “We are entirely out of options,” and he asked supporters for immediate help. He said he needs funds to clear debts linked to his defense. He added, “We desperately need your help. Now.”
A federal court sentenced Rodriguez on Nov. 19 to five years in prison. His co-founder, William Lonergan Hill received a four-year sentence. Prosecutors charged both men in April 2024 with conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Both men initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, in July 2025, they pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money transmitter. The plea agreement resolved part of the government’s case.
Rodriguez later explained his decision during an interview with journalist Natalie Brunell. He said he reviewed the financial risks and likely prison time. He concluded that a trial could result in longer incarceration and higher legal expenses.
Legal Costs Mount as Pardon Prospects Dim
Rodriguez said legal costs escalated throughout the proceedings. He referenced hourly rates for defense attorneys, which can range from $200 to $500. He also noted that retainers often exceed $10,000 for complex federal cases.
He said he calculated that continuing the case could add millions in fees. He therefore chose to accept the plea deal. He described the financial toll as overwhelming.
Rodriguez also addressed the possibility of a presidential pardon. President Donald Trump had said in December that he would review the case. A petition seeking a pardon gathered 15,953 signatures as of Thursday.
Rodriguez said he no longer expects relief through executive action. He stated that earlier hopes during the Bitcoin 2026 conference have faded. He said he believes he will serve his full sentence.
He compared his situation to pardons granted to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao and Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. He said, “I am simply a federal prisoner without money, power, or influence.” He added that he must now prepare to complete his term.
Rodriguez made his latest appeal this week through social media. He repeated that he needs funds to settle outstanding legal obligations. As of his post, he continues to seek donations to address the $2 million debt and the $250,000 fine.
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