Remy St Felix, a Florida man convicted for orchestrating violent home invasions targeting cryptocurrency owners, received an additional seven years after assaulting a witness, extending his total prison exposure to roughly 51 years on paper and signaling stricter penalties for attacks tied to crypto-targeted crimes.
-
Sentencing update: Remy St Felix received seven extra years for witness retaliation.
-
Crimes included kidnapping, armed home invasions, and theft of about $3.5 million in cryptocurrency.
-
Restitution ordered: $524,000 for St Felix; co-defendant received 20 years and $4 million restitution.
Florida man sentenced for crypto home invasions — Remy St Felix gets extra time after attacking a witness. Read the facts and key takeaways now.
What happened in the Remy St Felix sentencing?
Remy St Felix sentencing resulted in an additional seven-year term after he assaulted a shackled witness at a North Carolina detention center following his conviction on nine counts related to violent home invasions targeting crypto owners. The new sentence runs largely consecutive, effectively extending his custodial exposure by nearly four years on paper.
How did authorities describe the attack and prior convictions?
According to the U.S. Justice Department, St Felix struck a witness in the face, head, and body while the witness was shackled and handcuffed. He had already been convicted on counts including kidnapping and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence. The additional count was pleaded to retaliation against a witness.
Why did the court add seven years to his sentence?
The court added seven years after St Felix pleaded guilty to retaliation for attacking a witness who had testified about his role in the home invasion scheme. The Department said much of that term (36 months) will run concurrent with his existing sentence, so the practical increase is nearly four years on paperwork but ensures additional accountability for witness intimidation.
What was the scope of the home invasion scheme?
Authorities say the group abducted and assaulted multiple victims believed to hold cryptocurrency, stealing roughly $3.5 million in digital assets. Incidents included kidnappings, violent beatings and the use of firearms. In one U.S. case, a victim was abducted from Florida and driven 120 miles, then beaten while held hostage.
How do these cases fit into broader trends against crypto owners?
Physical violence against crypto owners, often called “wrench attacks,” has increased globally. Law enforcement reports and media coverage note several brutal incidents in Europe where victims were detained and physically mutilated to force access to private keys. Authorities are responding with arrests and targeted investigations.
Who received sentences and restitutions?
| Defendant | Sentence | Restitution | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remy St Felix | 47 years + 7 years (additional) | $524,000 | Mastermind / attack on witness |
| Jarod Gabriel Seemungal | 20 years | $4,000,000 | Provided vehicles, lodging, firearms |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the group steal from crypto owners?
Authorities say the group stole about $3.5 million in cryptocurrency from multiple victims during a string of violent home invasions across states.
What is a “wrench attack” and how is it related?
A “wrench attack” is a violent tactic to force access to crypto keys by beating or mutilating victims. The pattern has been reported in various regions, including high-profile cases in Europe and isolated U.S. incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Additional penalty enforced: A seven-year sentence was added for witness retaliation, reinforcing penalties for obstructing justice.
- Significant theft: The ring is accused of stealing roughly $3.5 million in cryptocurrency from targeted victims.
- Broader trend: Violent attacks on crypto owners remain a law-enforcement focus; coordination between federal and state agencies is increasing.
Conclusion
This case underscores how violent criminal schemes targeting cryptocurrency owners are prosecuted aggressively. The U.S. Justice Department’s action in adding time for witness assault sends a clear message about accountability. Expect continued investigative emphasis on tracing stolen digital assets and protecting witnesses in related prosecutions.
Published by COINOTAG. Updated: 2025-08-30.
