Crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, formerly known as 'BitBoy', reportedly spent the night in jail and was charged with two counts following his high-profile arrest.
Armstrong, who was arrested on September 25 while live broadcast outside a former associate's houseHe spent just over 8 hours in a cell, according to the Gwinnett County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office.
The crypto influencer has been released on bail, but has been charged with "loitering/loitering" and "simple assault to put another in fear," with bail set at $2,600 along with a $40 fee.
In Georgia, loitering or loitering generally refers to when a person is “in a place at a time or in a manner not usual for law-abiding persons, under circumstances that warrant justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for safety.” of persons or property. in the surrounding area,” according to the Georgia-based law firm Lawson & Berry.
The consequences of misdemeanor loitering and loitering include a fine of up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to one year, or both, if aggregate.
Meanwhile, simple battery can involve: "(1) attempting to commit violent injury to the person of another, or (2) committing an act that places another person in reasonable fear of immediately receiving violent injury."
Like loitering, a simple assault conviction in Georgia is treated as a misdemeanor, although there may be certain situations where this is escalated, the law firm said.
After his release, Armstrong appeared to mock his punishment by saying, “My name is Ben and I am a lurker. "I spent 8 whole hours in jail,"
This is the hardest tweet I've ever had to make. I need to make a confession that I never imagined I would admit.
I'm not even sure I have the courage to say it but I'll do my best.
Here goes: My name is Ben and I'm a lurker. I spent 8 whole hours in jail
-Ben Armstrong (@BenArmstrongsX) September 26, 2023
A few hours later he aware: "I'm taking a week's break from social media," before adding "No, not for the memes," on September 27. Armstrong's mugshot has been circulating on crypto social media.
— database (@tier10k) September 26, 2023
Related: Ben 'BitBoy' Armstrong arrested on livestream over Lambo dispute
On the night of September 25, Armstrong went to the home of his former partner Carlos Díaz, who allegedly had possession of his Lamborghini.
The livestream and general ranting lasted about 19 minutes before local police showed up and arrested Armstrong.
Cryptocurrency trader “EmperorBTC” told his 360,000 X followers that the arrest “should be a lesson to everyone.”
Bitboy's arrest should be a lesson to everyone.
1. If you scam, karma will catch you. If not now, someday, but surely.
2. Money gives you power, but uncontrolled power drives you crazy.
3. Take care of your mental health, the world is waiting for you to break down.
- Emperor (@EmperorBTC) September 26, 2023
The latest debacle is related to the ongoing dispute between Ben Armstrong and Hit Network, which controls the "BitBoy Crypto" brand. The company and its executives cut ties with Armstrong in August citing issues related to substance abuse and financial harm to employees.
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