Missouri trio charged over alleged Bitcoin kidnapping plot
Three Missouri men — Sedric Louis, John Davis, and Martel Williams — were charged in connection with an alleged August 2024 plot to kidnap a Bitcoin holder and force a cryptocurrency transfer. Prosecutors said they were hired to target the victim, traveled from St. Louis to Connecticut, rented vehicles, and obtained air rifles while surveilling the home. After two days, they abandoned the attempt out of concern about home security cameras. A separate crew from Florida then reportedly took over the plan. They were charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. Louis and Davis are detained; Williams was released on bond. All three pleaded not guilty. The case comes amid a rise in physical attacks on crypto investors, especially home invasions.
