Guam Cryptocurrency Broker Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for $5.5 Million Bitcoin Scheme
2024-01-29 · Press release
Mentions 1960 Crypto Verified 1960
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Julien Abat Weymouth, age 32, from Dededo, Guam was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment. He was charged with Operating an Unlawful Money Transmitting Business, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1960. The Court also ordered 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
From January 2020 to April 2021, Julien Abat Weymouth was engaged in the operation of an unlawful money transmitting business involving the exchange and transfer of cryptocurrency, primarily Bitcoin. Weymouth solicited cash and cryptocurrency from “clients" or "investors" within and outside the District of Guam, and transmitted the bitcoin to a third-party, William Ichioka, located outside of Guam for purported investment purposes. Ichioka operated a fraudulent investment scheme known as Ichioka Ventures. Ichioka was prosecuted separately in the Northern District of California.
Weymouth guaranteed his clients and investors a percentage return on their alleged investment and kept any excess return over and above the guaranteed rate as his fee. As part of his scheme, Weymouth solicited and accepted funds and cryptocurrency from individuals involved in illegal activity. Operating as a cryptocurrency exchanger and engaged in the business of transmitting funds on behalf of others to third parties for a fee, he failed to register with FinCEN and failed to comply with federal regulations governing money transmitters.
During the time of his scheme, Weymouth transmitted funds and cryptocurrency worth approximately $5,517,323.48. He generated significant personal profits which he reinvested into various forms of cryptocurrency, held in bank accounts, and funded the purchase of vehicles and other assets. As part of his plea agreement, Weymouth stipulated to the forfeiture of over 200 Bitcoin with a present value of over $8 million, 6 vehicles, and $127,000 in a PenFed bank account.
“Cryptocurrencies are often used to facilitate fraudulent activity,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “These financial assets do not guarantee anonymity, as generally perceived by criminals. Our office will continue to target unlicensed money transmitting, money laundering, and any other unlawful transactions associated with cryptocurrency.
This case was investigated by U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.
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- https://www.justice.gov/usao-gu/pr/guam-cryptocurrency-broker-sentenced-30-months-federal-prison-55-million-bitcoin-scheme
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| participant_id | name | role | title | organization | location | age | nationality | status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1387 | SHAWN N. ANDERSON | prosecutor | United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office | Guam | |||
| 1388 | Julien Abat Weymouth | defendant | Dededo, Guam | 32 | sentenced | |||
| 1389 | William Ichioka | defendant | Ichioka Ventures | Northern District of California | indicted | |||
| 1390 | Benjamin K. Petersburg | prosecutor | Assistant United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office | Guam | |||
| 1391 | Neal de Paz | investigator | Resident Agent in Charge | U.S. Secret Service | Guam |
| agency_id | agency_name | abbreviation | role | office_location | agents_mentioned | contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 874 | U.S. Secret Service | USSS | investigation | Guam Resident Office | Neal de Paz | Investigated the case and collaborated with partners for a successful outcome |
| 875 | United States Attorney's Office for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands | prosecution | District of Guam | Benjamin K. Petersburg | Prosecuted the case and led legal proceedings | |
| 876 | Guam Police Department | investigation | Assisted in the investigation as a federal law enforcement partner |
| charge_id | charge_description | statute | severity | max_penalty | fine_amount | defendant | status | participant_id | cl_docket_id | count_num | is_1960 | verified_1960 | source | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 704 | Operating an Unlawful Money Transmitting Business | 18 U.S.C. § 1960 | Julien Abat Weymouth | convicted | 1 | enrichment | 2026-09-16T19:45:55+00:00 | |||||||
| 2624 | 18 U.S.C. § 1960 | 1 | press | 2026-09-16T19:45:55+00:00 | ||||||||||
| 2625 | § 1960 | 1 | press | 2026-09-16T19:45:55+00:00 |
| fin_id | action_type | amount | currency | description | asset_type | defendant | status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202 | assessment | $100 | USD | mandatory special assessment fee | cash | Julien Abat Weymouth | ordered |
| 203 | forfeiture | $8,000,000 | USD | over 200 Bitcoin with present value | cryptocurrency | Julien Abat Weymouth | ordered |
| 204 | forfeiture | 6 vehicles | vehicles | Julien Abat Weymouth | ordered | ||
| 205 | forfeiture | $127,000 | USD | PenFed bank account | cash | Julien Abat Weymouth | ordered |
| victim_id | victim_type | description | number_affected | loss_amount | geographic_scope | vulnerability_factors | impact_description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148 | individual | clients or investors | $5,517,323.48 | within and outside the District of Guam | Lost funds through fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme |
| quote_id | quote_text | speaker_name | speaker_title | speaker_organization | quote_type | context | significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 174 | Cryptocurrencies are often used to facilitate fraudulent activity. These financial assets do not guarantee anonymity, as generally perceived by criminals. Our office will continue to target unlicensed money transmitting, money laundering, and any other unlawful transactions associated with cryptocurrency. | SHAWN N. ANDERSON | United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands | U.S. Attorney's Office | statement | Commenting on cryptocurrency's role in fraud and the DOJ's enforcement priorities | Highlights the DOJ's stance against unlicensed cryptocurrency activities and dispels myths about anonymity |
| 175 | U.S. Secret Service Guam Resident Office is dedicated to protecting our nation’s citizens within the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. We appreciate federal law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Guam Police Department, whose hard work and dedication ensured successful outcome in this complex investigation. | Neal de Paz | Resident Agent in Charge | U.S. Secret Service | statement | Acknowledging inter-agency collaboration and mission commitment | Emphasizes multi-agency cooperation in prosecuting cryptocurrency-related crimes |
| theme_id | theme_name | description | significance | related_statutes | geographic_scope | temporal_aspects | stakeholders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 782 | Operating an Unlawful Money Transmitting Business | Weymouth operated an unregistered cryptocurrency exchange business, transmitting funds on behalf of others for fees without complying with federal regulations. | Central to the charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1960, forming the basis of his conviction and sentencing. | 18 U.S.C. § 1960 | International | January 2020 to April 2021 | U.S. Secret Service, Guam Police Department, FinCEN, investors |
| 783 | Cryptocurrency Fraud | Used Bitcoin to facilitate a fraudulent investment scheme, misrepresenting returns and channeling funds to a third-party scam (Ichioka Ventures). | Core mechanism enabling the scheme's operation and concealment. | International | Recent development (2020-2021) | Investors, U.S. Attorney's Office, financial institutions | |
| 784 | Money Laundering | Accepted cryptocurrency and cash from illegal activities, reinvested proceeds into assets, and obscured transaction origins. | Integral to concealing illicit gains and evading financial oversight. | International | Ongoing during scheme operation | Law enforcement, financial regulators, victims | |
| 785 | Unregistered Financial Services | Failed to register with FinCEN and comply with anti-money laundering regulations for cryptocurrency transactions. | Violated federal requirements for financial transparency and accountability. | 18 U.S.C. § 1960 | National | Historical trend of unregulated crypto exchanges | FinCEN, cryptocurrency users, regulators |
| 786 | Asset Forfeiture | Ordered to forfeit over 200 Bitcoin, vehicles, and bank funds derived from illicit activities. | Deters future crimes and compensates victims through recovered assets. | Local | Post-conviction enforcement | U.S. Attorney's Office, victims, financial institutions | |
| 787 | International Law Enforcement Collaboration | Cooperation between Guam agencies and the Northern District of California in prosecuting cross-border financial crimes. | Demonstrates coordinated efforts to combat transnational financial fraud. | International | Ongoing investigation period | U.S. Secret Service, prosecutors, foreign jurisdictions |
CourtListener / RECAP
Linked dockets
- CL #68391408 1:22-cr-00002 (gud) Weak match
Documents
| Entry | Description | OCR | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| #82 desc | Petition of Cecil D. Sulla re interest of 40.3 Bitcoin in forfeited property as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (cms) (Entered: 03/29/2024) | none | none |
| entry desc | Court Certificate of Service as to Julien Abat Weymouth re 79 Judgment, 80 Statement of Reasons - USMS acknowledged receipt on 1/26/2024. (lth) | none | none |
| #81 desc | Notice of Entry as to Julien Abat Weymouth re 79 Judgment. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| #80 desc | --------------------------Parties of Record may view this document ONLY if they use their PACER id and password.--------------------------* Sealed * Statement of Reasons as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| #79 desc | Judgment as to Julien Abat Weymouth (1), Count(s) 1, Defendant sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with credit for time served; 3 years Supervised Release; Fine waived; $100 Special Assessment Fee. Signed by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson on 1/26/2024. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| #78 desc | Order granting 76 Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture as to Julien Abat Weymouth (1). Signed by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson on 1/25/2024. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| #77 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before Senior Judge Alex R. Munson: Sentencing held on 1/25/2024 for Julien Abat Weymouth (1). Court grants 75 Motion for Downward Departure and 76 Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture. Defendant sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with credit for time served; 3 years Supervised Release; Fine waived; $100 Special Assessment Fee. Counsel ordered to meet and confer re restitution and give appropriate date within 90 days to be heard before Chief Judge Tydingco-Gatewood. (Court Reporter Veronica Flores)(Start Time: 2:08, End Time: 3:00) (lth) (Entered: 01/25/2024) | none | none |
| #76 desc | Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture filed by Benjamin Petersburg as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (Entered: 01/25/2024) | none | none |
| #74 desc | Order granting 73 Application to Seal Motion for Substantial Assistance Departure Under U.S.S.G. §5K1.1 as to Julien Abat Weymouth (1). Signed by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson on 1/19/2024. (lth) (Entered: 01/19/2024) | none | none |
| #73 desc | Application to Seal Motion for Substantial Assistance Departure Under U.S.S.G. §5K1.1 filed by USA as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (lth) (Entered: 01/19/2024) | none | none |
| #72 desc | Sentencing Memorandum filed by USA as to Julien Abat Weymouth (Petersburg, Benjamin) (Entered: 01/17/2024) | none | none |
| #71 desc | Sentencing Memorandum filed by Julien Abat Weymouth (Mantanona, Rawlen) (Entered: 01/12/2024) | none | none |
| #70 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo:Status Hearing as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 1/9/2024. Defendant to remain in custody until sentencing. (Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 10:35, End Time: 10:38) (lth) (Entered: 01/09/2024) | none | none |
| #69 desc | Second Supplemental Declaration in Support of Petition (re: 59 Petition for Action on Conditions of Pretrial Release Petition for Summons for Defendant Under Pretrial Release ) as to Julien Abat Weymouth (mvp,uspo) (Entered: 01/03/2024) | none | none |
| #68 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo: Status Hearing as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 1/2/2024. USPO provided status on defendant's compliance. Status Hearing set for 1/9/2024 at 10:30 AM. Defendant remanded.(Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 10:32, End Time: 10:41) (lth) (Entered: 01/02/2024) | none | none |
| #67 desc | Supplemental Declaration in Support of Petition (re: 59 Petition for Action on Conditions of Pretrial Release Petition for Summons for Defendant Under Pretrial Release ) as to Julien Abat Weymouth (mvp,uspo) (Entered: 01/02/2024) | none | none |
| #66 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo: USPO Santos reported that test results have not been returned. Status Hearing as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 12/19/2023. Status Hearing set for 1/2/2024 at 10:30 AM. (Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 10:26, End Time: 10:28) (lth) (Entered: 12/19/2023) | none | none |
| #65 desc | Entry of Attorney Appearance: Jon Roman C. Ramos appearing for Julien Abat Weymouth (Ramos, Jon) (Entered: 12/14/2023) | none | none |
| #64 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo: Initial Appearance on a Petition for Action on Conditions of Pretrial Release as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 12/12/2023. Defendant admonished and to remain released. Court ordered defendant to report to USPO for testing right after the hearing. Status Hearing set for 12/19/2023 at 10:15 AM. (Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 11:05, End Time: 11:14) (lth) (Entered: 12/12/2023) | none | none |
| #63 desc | Summons Returned Executed on 12/11/2023 as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (lth) (Additional attachment(s) added on 12/11/2023: # 1 Summons - page 2) (lth, ). (Entered: 12/11/2023) | none | none |
| #63 desc | Summons Returned Executed on 12/11/2023 as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (lth) (Additional attachment(s) added on 12/11/2023: # 1 Summons - page 2) (lth, ). (Entered: 12/11/2023) | none | none |
| #64 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo: Initial Appearance on a Petition for Action on Conditions of Pretrial Release as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 12/12/2023. Defendant admonished and to remain released. Court ordered defendant to report to USPO for testing right after the hearing. Status Hearing set for 12/19/2023 at 10:15 AM. (Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 11:05, End Time: 11:14) (lth) (Entered: 12/12/2023) | none | none |
| #65 desc | Entry of Attorney Appearance: Jon Roman C. Ramos appearing for Julien Abat Weymouth (Ramos, Jon) (Entered: 12/14/2023) | none | none |
| #66 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo: USPO Santos reported that test results have not been returned. Status Hearing as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 12/19/2023. Status Hearing set for 1/2/2024 at 10:30 AM. (Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 10:26, End Time: 10:28) (lth) (Entered: 12/19/2023) | none | none |
| #67 desc | Supplemental Declaration in Support of Petition (re: 59 Petition for Action on Conditions of Pretrial Release Petition for Summons for Defendant Under Pretrial Release ) as to Julien Abat Weymouth (mvp,uspo) (Entered: 01/02/2024) | none | none |
| #68 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo: Status Hearing as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 1/2/2024. USPO provided status on defendant's compliance. Status Hearing set for 1/9/2024 at 10:30 AM. Defendant remanded.(Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 10:32, End Time: 10:41) (lth) (Entered: 01/02/2024) | none | none |
| #69 desc | Second Supplemental Declaration in Support of Petition (re: 59 Petition for Action on Conditions of Pretrial Release Petition for Summons for Defendant Under Pretrial Release ) as to Julien Abat Weymouth (mvp,uspo) (Entered: 01/03/2024) | none | none |
| #70 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge Michael J. Bordallo:Status Hearing as to Julien Abat Weymouth held on 1/9/2024. Defendant to remain in custody until sentencing. (Court Recorder Cynthia Sablan)(Start Time: 10:35, End Time: 10:38) (lth) (Entered: 01/09/2024) | none | none |
| #71 desc | Sentencing Memorandum filed by Julien Abat Weymouth (Mantanona, Rawlen) (Entered: 01/12/2024) | none | none |
| #72 desc | Sentencing Memorandum filed by USA as to Julien Abat Weymouth (Petersburg, Benjamin) (Entered: 01/17/2024) | none | none |
| #73 desc | Application to Seal Motion for Substantial Assistance Departure Under U.S.S.G. §5K1.1 filed by USA as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (lth) (Entered: 01/19/2024) | none | none |
| #74 desc | Order granting 73 Application to Seal Motion for Substantial Assistance Departure Under U.S.S.G. §5K1.1 as to Julien Abat Weymouth (1). Signed by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson on 1/19/2024. (lth) (Entered: 01/19/2024) | none | none |
| #76 desc | Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture filed by Benjamin Petersburg as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (Entered: 01/25/2024) | none | none |
| #77 desc | Minute Entry for proceedings held before Senior Judge Alex R. Munson: Sentencing held on 1/25/2024 for Julien Abat Weymouth (1). Court grants 75 Motion for Downward Departure and 76 Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture. Defendant sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with credit for time served; 3 years Supervised Release; Fine waived; $100 Special Assessment Fee. Counsel ordered to meet and confer re restitution and give appropriate date within 90 days to be heard before Chief Judge Tydingco-Gatewood. (Court Reporter Veronica Flores)(Start Time: 2:08, End Time: 3:00) (lth) (Entered: 01/25/2024) | none | none |
| #78 desc | Order granting 76 Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture as to Julien Abat Weymouth (1). Signed by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson on 1/25/2024. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| #79 | Judgment as to Julien Abat Weymouth (1), Count(s) 1, Defendant sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with credit for time served; 3 years Supervised Release; Fine waived; $100 Special Assessment Fee. Signed by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson on 1/26/2024. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | done |
| #80 desc | --------------------------Parties of Record may view this document ONLY if they use their PACER id and password.--------------------------* Sealed * Statement of Reasons as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| #81 desc | Notice of Entry as to Julien Abat Weymouth re 79 Judgment. (lth) (Entered: 01/26/2024) | none | none |
| 390398715 desc | Court Certificate of Service as to Julien Abat Weymouth re 79 Judgment, 80 Statement of Reasons - USMS acknowledged receipt on 1/26/2024. (lth) | none | none |
| #82 desc | Petition of Cecil D. Sulla re interest of 40.3 Bitcoin in forfeited property as to Julien Abat Weymouth. (cms) (Entered: 03/29/2024) | none | none |
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