Florida Man Gets Additional Prison Time for Attacking Witness in Crypto Home Invasion Case
A Florida man who was sentenced to 47 years in prison last September for orchestrating a series of violent home invasions targeting crypto owners has received additional punishment for attacking a witness, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
Remy St Felix Sentenced to Seven More Years
Remy St Felix, 25, was sentenced to an additional seven years in prison for assaulting a witness who testified against him in the home invasion scheme. The witness was attacked while in a North Carolina-based detention center, where St Felix struck him multiple times, calling him a “rat” following his conviction on nine counts, including kidnapping and brandishing a firearm, authorities revealed in a press release.
Violence Against Crypto Owners on the Rise
St Felix’s violent tactics are part of a disturbing trend targeting crypto owners, known as “wrench attacks,” which involve using physical force to bypass advanced security measures. These attacks have been reported globally, with victims suffering severe injuries in attempts to access their cryptocurrency holdings.
In one instance, St Felix and his accomplices abducted an individual from their Florida home, driving them 120 miles away to beat them while held captive. In another incident, a Texas family was restrained for hours while the group stole cash and valuables.
Stolen Assets and Restitution
St Felix and his co-conspirators reportedly stole $3.5 million worth of cryptocurrency during their crime spree. St Felix was ordered to pay $524,000 in restitution, representing the value of the stolen assets, in addition to his initial 47-year sentence. Another accomplice, Jarod Gabriel Seemungal, received a 20-year sentence and was ordered to pay $4 million in restitution for his role in providing support to the home invasion team.
Impact of Witness Retaliation
St Felix’s decision to attack a witness and retaliate against them for testifying in court resulted in an extended prison sentence. While he pleaded guilty to the charge, the additional seven years will prolong his time behind bars, highlighting the consequences of violent acts in legal proceedings.
As cases of violence against crypto owners continue to rise, law enforcement agencies are working to combat these crimes and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The pursuit of justice in these cases is crucial to protecting the safety and security of individuals involved in the cryptocurrency industry.