Key Points:
- Ian Freeman, a libertarian activist, sentenced to 8 years for unlicensed Bitcoin business.
- Freeman’s conviction ignites a debate about cryptocurrency regulations and personal freedom.
- Supporters rally behind Freeman, planning an appeal to challenge the verdict.
Ian Freeman, a resident of Keene and a prominent libertarian activist who co-hosts Free Talk Live, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of unlicensed money transmission, money laundering, and tax evasion in late December 2022. His fellow Free Talk Live co-host, Mark Edge, has indicated that an appeal will be pursued in response to the verdict.
Libertarian Broadcaster Faces 8-Year Prison Term for Bitcoin Sales
Ian Freeman, the last defendant in the Crypto Six case, faced a federal judge’s ruling on Monday following his conviction at the end of December. While awaiting sentencing, Freeman remained free, but after the sentencing, U.S. Marshals took him into custody.
At the age of 43, Freeman expressed to the court his belief that he had not violated any laws, emphasizing that his cryptocurrency sales venture aimed to promote the adoption of cryptocurrencies.
Following the sentencing, Mark Edge, co-host of Free Talk Live, announced:
“Ian Freeman has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison with two years of probation. He has been taken into custody. An appeal will follow.”
The cryptocurrency community did not hold back in expressing their opinions on social media platforms. Bruce Fenton conveyed to his audience, “Ian Freeman has just been sentenced to eight years in prison for selling bitcoin through his ATM.”
The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire (LPNH) also weighed in, stating, “Ian Freeman has been sentenced to 96 months for the ‘crime’ of selling bitcoin without the proper government paperwork. Thanks to sound money, the days when tyrants can issue decrees like this are numbered.”
On the social media platform X, a bitcoin enthusiast known as Mandrick lamented, “Terrible news. Ian Freeman was sentenced to eight years in federal prison. I met my wife and first learned about bitcoin through his podcast, Free Talk Live.” Freeman and Edge were pioneers in promoting bitcoin through their syndicated radio show, Free Talk Live (FTL).
Since its inception in 2011, the syndicated broadcast has actively embraced bitcoin for advertising purposes, and for over a decade, FTL’s national radio segments have championed bitcoin both during the show and in advertisements.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the viewpoints and perspectives expressed by the author, as well as any individuals referenced in this article, are intended solely for informational purposes. They should not be construed as financial or investment advice. It’s important to acknowledge that investing in or trading cryptoassets carries inherent financial risks.
