Three men from Missouri have pleaded not guilty to federal charges connected to an alleged plot to steal Bitcoin through a planned home invasion in Connecticut.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced on August 4 that Sedric Louis, 32, John Davis, 34, and Martel Williams, 27, have been charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, commonly known as Hobbs Act robbery.
Federal prosecutors say the three men traveled from St. Louis to Connecticut between August 21 and August 24, 2024, as part of a plan to force a Bitcoin holder to transfer cryptocurrency under threat.
According to investigators, the group rented vehicles, obtained air rifles and walkie-talkies, and spent two days monitoring the intended victim and his parents.
Prosecutors allege the plan was to enter the family’s home, threaten the victim, and force the transfer of Bitcoin to accounts controlled by the organizers. However, the group allegedly abandoned the operation after becoming concerned that home security cameras may have recorded them and after losing confidence in the plan.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if a conviction is secured, although any final sentence would depend on court proceedings and judicial findings.
Authorities say the case is linked to a separate incident that occurred shortly afterward. After the Missouri group allegedly left Connecticut, another group from Florida reportedly arrived and carried out a violent carjacking and kidnapping.
In August 2024, Danbury police arrested six Florida men in connection with that incident. Investigators said the victims were the parents of an individual allegedly involved in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin. Officials have not publicly disclosed how much cryptocurrency the alleged robbery plot was intended to target.
All three Missouri defendants have denied the allegations.
Louis and Davis have remained in custody since their arrests on June 25 and entered not guilty pleas on July 30. Williams pleaded not guilty on July 17 and was released on bond.
Federal authorities emphasized that the indictment is only an accusation and that all three men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The broader case already includes guilty pleas from two other individuals.
Adam Iza pleaded guilty in June to the same conspiracy charge. Prosecutors allege he helped coordinate the operation, provided funding, and managed logistics. His sentencing is scheduled for August 12.
Saif Faiq also pleaded guilty in June. Authorities say he recruited participants, traveled to Connecticut, and assisted with surveillance activities. His sentencing is set for August 28.
The case highlights a growing trend in which criminals allegedly use threats, violence, and kidnapping attempts to gain access to cryptocurrency holdings rather than relying solely on cyberattacks.
The investigation is being led by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, along with FBI offices in Los Angeles and St. Louis and the Danbury Police Department.
No trial date has been announced for the three Missouri defendants, and the case will now move into the next stage of federal court proceedings.
