US prosecutors allege the defendants plotted to kidnap a Bitcoin holder and force a cryptocurrency transfer in August 2024.
Three Missouri men face federal charges for allegedly conspiring to kidnap a Bitcoin holder and steal cryptocurrency in August 2024. Sedric Louis, John Davis, and Martel Williams traveled to Connecticut, rented vehicles, and obtained air rifles to stake out their target before abandoning the plan due to security camera concerns.
The defendants were allegedly hired to force the victim to transfer Bitcoin to accounts controlled by organizers. They were charged under the Hobbs Act, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Louis and Davis remain detained since their June 25, 2026 arrest, while Williams was released on bond.
Crypto-related home invasions surged in the first half of 2026, with 20 reported cases compared to just one in the same period a year earlier, according to blockchain security firm CertiK.