An online cryptocurrency influencer popularly known as “Bitcoin Rodney” on Tuesday questioned his imprisonment pending trial and asked a judge to release him under high-intensity supervision.
According to the pretrial services report, Rodney Burton's aunt, who resides in Maryland, is willing to serve as his guardian if the court releases Burton.
Burton was arrested at Miami International Airport in January and charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transfer business and one count of operating an unlicensed money transfer business.
A detention review hearing is scheduled for July 8 in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. No trial date has been set.
Judge Erin Aslan of the United States District Court in Baltimore ordered Burton detained pending trial, citing strong evidence, including witnesses, transaction records and recorded calls, and that Burton received $40,000 a month in income and had yachts, cars and other assets. The judge also noted that Burton was arrested on a one-way ticket to the United Arab Emirates. according to court documents.
Burton said he no longer owns a yacht as of May 2024, which the government cited as an important asset and a way to “escape” to Dubai despite no longer having a passport.
According to Burton, the government selected "self-serving" excerpts that were taken out of context from the approximately 35-minute recorded phone call that was used as evidence to determine a "serious risk" that he would not appear at trial and be aware of it. blame.
In a December call with Brenda Chunga, also known as "Bitcoin Beautee," Burton said he discussed a new business opportunity related to artificial intelligence, not cryptocurrencies or "passive income," and his intention to move to Dubai in January to direct his new project. .
The government alleged that Burton booked a one-way ticket to the United Arab Emirates to evade prosecution. Burton said it is clear from the recording that he did not know if he was being investigated for this case or if he was going to be arrested.
Burton argued that his trip to Dubai was “mandatory” as he had “legitimate business opportunities” there and never alluded to going there to avoid prosecution in the recorded call.
In a detention memo, the government alleged that Burton is part of a “Ponzi scheme,” but Unlike Chunga, who pleaded guilty to wire and security fraud, Burton is not charged with securities fraud or wire fraud offenses.
Burton also defended his character in favor of his release.
He said he has a nonviolent criminal record, which occurred more than 17 years ago, and that he did not miss a court date in any of those cases.
Burton successfully completed substance abuse treatment in 2012. He noted one case in which he corrected a statement that said he had last used cocaine “ten years ago” by reporting his most recent use to Maryland Pretrial Services. .
In addition, Burton said that the crimes with which he is charged do not favor arrest because they are not violent in nature.
The criminal case involves Burton, 54; Chunga, 43 years old, associate; and Sam Lee, 35, an international fugitive; who are accused of orchestrating a $1.89 billion cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme in which they falsely told investors they would receive substantial returns from trades that did not exist.
