Prosecutors Assert No Brady Violation in Samourai Wallet Case Disclosure
Prosecutors in the Samourai Wallet case refuted allegations of suppressing evidence against co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill. They filed a letter to Judge Richard Berman, urging denial of the defense's motion regarding delayed disclosure of a FinCEN conversation.
- FinCEN indicated Samourai Wallet did not require a money transmitting license.
- Despite this, prosecutors charged Rodriguez and Hill with conspiracy to commit money laundering and operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
- Allegations include laundering over $100 million and marketing to illicit participants.
- The defense claims late disclosure violated due process, citing the Brady v. Maryland precedent.
- Prosecutors argue their communication was informal and not binding; thus, not Brady material.
- They assert that the defense received relevant information seven months prior to trial.
- The defense argues the lack of timely disclosure could have influenced bail and dismissal motions.
- Prosecutors maintain the primary charge is related to money laundering, which carries a 20-year maximum sentence.
Additionally, the defense requested case dismissal based on the Blanche Memo, which directs DOJ staff to limit crypto enforcement actions. A decision on this request remains pending after a meeting on April 10.