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Bitcoin Fraudster Faces One-Year Sentence

Coin WorldTuesday, May 13, 2025 11:58 am ET

1min read

Defense lawyers have requested a judge to impose a sentence of approximately one year in prison on the individual responsible for assisting in the posting of a fake message announcing regulatory approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. This recommendation counters the prosecutors' request for a two-year sentence.

In a filing made on May 13 in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, Eric Council Jr.’s legal team argued for a sentence of no more than one year and one day in prison, following his guilty plea. Council was part of a group that gained control of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) X account in 2024 through a SIM swap attack. The group posted a message suggesting that the regulator had approved spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund listings for the first time.

The defense argued that a sentence of twelve months and one day would serve the ends of justice. They stated that this punishment would sufficiently penalize Council for his role in the case, promote respect for the law, and deter future criminal conduct.

Council initially pleaded not guilty to the charges but changed his plea to guilty in February. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. The judge overseeing the case, Amy Berman Jackson, ordered prosecutors to identify the felony and point to where that information can be found in the record by May 13.

Council is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. Prosecutors have asked the judge to impose a two-year sentence, arguing that Council profited through a sophisticated fraud scheme. Court filings indicated that he earned roughly $50,000 through similar SIM swap attacks.

While Council’s case is nearing its conclusion with the upcoming sentencing hearing, the District of Columbia court district could soon be under new leadership. This potential change could affect the prosecution of crypto-related cases. On May 8, the US President announced that a new interim US attorney for the District of Columbia would be appointed.

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