# Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

*Author: Bankless*
*Published: Nov 6, 2025*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/news/samourai-wallet-co-founder-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison*

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Samourai Wallet co-founder Keonne Rodriguez was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to operating a crypto mixing service designed to conceal criminal proceeds, prolific courthouse tweeter [*Inner City Press*](https://x.com/innercitypress/status/1986466823999549933) reports.

## What’s the Scoop?
- **Sentencing details:** Rodriguez [received](https://x.com/innercitypress/status/1986476952249880714) the maximum sentence prosecutors sought, along with a $250,000 fine, in a ruling from the Southern District of New York.
- **Charges and plea:** Rodriguez and co-founder William Lonergan Hill initially contested the charges but pleaded guilty in July to running the “Whirlpool” mixer, which authorities say was built to enable money laundering.
- **Prosecutors’ case:** Officials said the pair encouraged users on X to use Samourai’s tools to launder funds tied to criminal activity.
- **Defense remarks:** Rodriguez expressed remorse, with his lawyer contrasting him with FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried, calling Rodriguez a “warm family man” who lives modestly in Pennsylvania.
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