Current:Home > ContactSentencing delayed for a New Hampshire man convicted of running an unlicensed bitcoin business -Prime Capital Blueprint
Sentencing delayed for a New Hampshire man convicted of running an unlicensed bitcoin business
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:30:13
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! (9)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- How Arnold Schwarzenegger helped make the Ford Mustang Motor Trend's 1994 Car of the Year
- Uvalde families sue gunmaker, Instagram, Activision over weapons marketing
- A 19th century flag disrupts leadership at an Illinois museum and prompts a state investigation
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Wildfires in Southwest as central, southern U.S. brace for Memorial Day severe weather
- WNBA heads to Toronto with first international team as league expands
- 'Absolute chaos': Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Lisbon delayed as fans waited to enter
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Alabama softball walks off Tennessee at super regional to set winner-take-all Game 3
Ranking
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- MLB sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge were almost teammates ... in San Diego
- MLB's five biggest surprises: Are these teams contenders or pretenders in 2024?
- FA Cup final live updates: Manchester City vs. Manchester United lineups, score, highlights
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake & More Couples Who Broke Up and Got Back Together
- 'That's not my dog': Video shows Montana man on pizza run drive off in wrong car
- Lawsuit filed in the death of dancer with a peanut allergy who died after eating mislabeled cookie
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Memorial Day weekend in MLS features Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati, but no Messi in Vancouver
Baltimore police fatally shoot a man who pulls gun during questioning; detective injured
After Red Lobster's bankruptcy shocked all-you-can-eat shrimp fans, explaining Chapter 11
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
Mega Millions winning numbers for May 24 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $489 million
Your Memorial Day beach plans may be less than fin-tastic: Watch for sharks, rip currents
3 injured, 1 arrested at Skyline High School's graduation in Oakland, California: Police