Three Missouri men have been charged over an alleged plan to storm a Connecticut home and force the son of a local couple to surrender Bitcoin.
Suspects Allegedly Stalked the Family
Federal prosecutors say Sedric Louis, John Davis and Martel Williams traveled from Missouri to Connecticut between Aug. 21 and Aug. 24, 2024. The group allegedly rented vehicles, obtained air rifles and walkie-talkies, and followed the intended target and his parents for two days.
Their plan was to force their way into the family’s home, threaten the target and compel him to transfer stolen cryptocurrency into wallets controlled by the operation’s coordinators.
However, prosecutors say the three men abandoned the attempt after becoming concerned that they were recorded by home-security cameras. They were also reportedly frustrated by poor communication with their alleged co-conspirators.
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Second Crew Carried Out Violent Kidnapping
Authorities allege that another group from Florida arrived shortly afterward to attempt the robbery. On Aug. 25, 2024, six men allegedly rammed the couple’s Lamborghini Urus, dragged them from the vehicle and forced them into a van. The victims were beaten and restrained before witnesses alerted police.
A pursuit ended with officers rescuing the couple and arresting the suspects.
The alleged target was the couple’s son, who prosecutors say participated in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin.
Case Linked to $245M Crypto Theft
The wider investigation has been connected to the theft of roughly 4,100 BTC from a Washington, D.C., resident. The cryptocurrency was worth approximately $245 million at the time.
The theft was reportedly carried out through a sophisticated social-engineering scheme in which attackers impersonated technology and cryptocurrency-platform support staff. Prosecutors allege that some of the stolen funds were later spent on luxury cars, jewelry, expensive rental properties and nightclub parties.
Several people connected to the wider cryptocurrency theft and kidnapping conspiracy have already pleaded guilty.
Defendants Face Up to 20 Years
A federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment against Louis, Davis and Williams on May 22, 2026. All three have pleaded not guilty. Louis and Davis are still in custody, while Williams was released on bond.
They face one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, commonly known as Hobbs Act robbery. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
