New York district gets interim US Attorney as ex-SafeMoon CEO trial kicks off
John Durham has left his position as Acting US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, with Joseph Nocella appointed as interim US Attorney for 120 days. Nocella's appointment coincides with the criminal trial of Braden John Karony, former CEO of SafeMoon, who faces charges including securities fraud conspiracy and money laundering. Nocella aims to prosecute serious crimes such as drug trafficking and terrorism. Karony requested a trial delay due to proposed changes in US securities laws by Trump. The Eastern District has handled cases related to digital assets, while the Southern District will oversee the sentencing of former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky. Karony, along with others, was charged in November 2023 for misappropriating millions in SFM tokens and has pleaded not guilty, remaining free on a $3 million bond. Jury selection for his trial is set to begin on May 6 under US Magistrate Judge James Cho.
