Keonne Rodriguez, the co-founder of Bitcoin privateness instrument Samourai Pockets, spent Christmas Eve documenting his first day inside a US federal jail, providing a uncommon private account from a crypto developer now starting a five-year sentence.
Key Takeaways:
- Keonne Rodriguez shared a private account of his first days in federal jail.
- His case has renewed debate over felony legal responsibility for open-source crypto builders.
- A rising clemency marketing campaign highlights issues over free speech and innovation.
In a letter shared by The Rage, Rodriguez described surrendering himself to a federal jail camp and navigating the consumption course of, which included searches, medical checks and task to housing.
The letter, dated Wednesday, marked his seventh day on the facility and mirrored on the emotional toll of getting into custody simply days earlier than Christmas.
Rodriguez Describes First Days in Jail as “Manageable”
“Whereas in no way snug, it’s manageable,” Rodriguez wrote. “Whereas I quite be at house with my spouse and household, there are far worse locations I might have ended up.”
He added that he was grateful the opposite prisoners had been “respectful and downright pleasant,” a element that appeared to supply some reassurance amid an in any other case troublesome transition.
Rodriguez stated he was scheduled to obtain his spouse as his first customer on Christmas Day.
He additionally famous that the timing of his incarceration pressured his household to have fun the vacation early this 12 months, underscoring the private price of his sentence past the authorized penalties.
The imprisonment of Rodriguez has drawn consideration throughout the crypto group, the place it has change into a flashpoint within the broader debate over the felony legal responsibility of open-source builders.
Privateness advocates argue that his case, alongside the prosecution of Twister Money co-founder Roman Storm, raises unresolved questions on whether or not writing and sustaining code can represent a criminal offense when third events use that software program for illicit functions.
American entrepreneur Keonne Rodriguez constructed a profitable Bitcoin pockets app known as @SamouraiWallet. He’s now being despatched to jail for it.
In a couple of weeks, Keonne will start his 5-year sentence behind bars, except the Bitcoin group can save him by pressuring the US… pic.twitter.com/tURaJ66NPX— Jesse Tevelow (@jtevelow) December 6, 2025
Rodriguez was sentenced on Nov. 19 on fees tied to his function in working a crypto mixing protocol.
Supporters say the prosecution units a harmful precedent for builders constructing privacy-focused instruments, whereas authorities have maintained that the case facilities on facilitating criminality quite than protected speech.
A petition calling for clemency for Rodriguez has gathered greater than 12,000 signatures, reflecting continued concern amongst builders and digital rights advocates.
The petition describes the case as “a chilling assault on free speech and innovation,” warning that it might deter open-source improvement in america.
Trump Says He Will Overview Samourai Pockets Co-Founder’s Case
The opportunity of govt clemency has additionally entered the dialog. US President Donald Trump stated earlier this month that he would evaluate Rodriguez’s case, telling reporters on Dec. 16 that he had heard about it and would “have a look,” although he acknowledged he was not aware of the small print.
The feedback got here after Rodriguez had begun serving his sentence.
In a subsequent social media publish, Rodriguez publicly appealed to Trump for a pardon, characterizing his prosecution for instance of “lawfare” carried out beneath the earlier administration.
He argued that his case concerned no direct victims and accused regulators and judges of concentrating on him as a part of a broader anti-innovation push.
The publish Samourai Pockets Co-Founder Describes First Day Behind Bars in Letter appeared first on Cryptonews.