Supporting Bill and Keonne, the Samourai Wallet developers and their loved ones
URGENT: President Trump is now aware of the Samourai Wallet developers and has stated he will be looking into a pardon. This is a rare opportunity to change the course of history, but we must keep the pressure on to ensure this gets across the finish line. More than ever, we need you to sign the petition and get your friends and family to do the same. Let's make sure they can't ignore us! See Trump's comment here.
Bitcoin and crypto donations are now available. Donate Bitcoin here and other crypto here.
Bill and Keonne aren't faceless "crypto criminals" — they're passionate software engineers with families, hobbies, and a deep commitment to digital privacy rights. Here's a closer look:
A 67-year-old talented software developer with deep roots in New York, Bill co-founded Samourai Wallet after working with Keonne. He's not just a coder; he's an innovator who poured over a decade into creating non-custodial tools that empower users without controlling their funds. His passion highlights the human side of tech and an unrelenting passion for fundamental privacy rights.
A 37-year-old American software developer from Florida, Keonne co-founded Samourai Wallet in 2015 to promote Bitcoin privacy. He's a dedicated innovator who built tools used by everyday people to protect their financial data. As a family man, Keonne's work stems from a belief in personal freedom—he's fighting for a more private world for all of us.
In April 2024, two Bitcoin software developers, Keonne Rodriguez and William "Bill" Lonergan Hill, were violently arrested in their homes in a pre-dawn militarized raid by the FBI for running Samourai Wallet—a non-custodial Bitcoin wallet—despite no prior warnings and full compliance with the law as they and their advisors understood it.
They spent the next year and a half in the crippling uncertainty of home arrest, fighting against an adversary with unlimited resources. Keonne was sentenced on November 6, 2025, to the maximum five years in prison, plus an additional fine of $250,000, plus three years of supervised release. Bill was sentenced to four years in prison on November 19, 2025. He will also be responsible for a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Both men are facing serious time in jail for writing code that supported the privacy and security of Bitcoin users.
This case exemplifies DOJ overreach through a dangerous legal theory that criminalizes open-source code for legitimate privacy purposes. Developers should not be held liable for bad actors using their software.
“It’s like blaming Microsoft for drug cartels downloading and using Excel”
— REP. WARREN DAVIDSON (R-OH)
The DOJ ignored FinCEN's pre-indictment advice that Samourai was not a money transmitter, hid exculpatory evidence for over a year, and forced a plea deal. This sets a chilling precedent for crypto innovation and free speech.
Lack of financial privacy exposes lawful transactions to surveillance. Tools like Samourai protect dissidents and everyday users.
Drives developers offshore, threatening U.S. leadership in crypto. Criminalizing code violates the 1st Amendment.
Behind the headlines are real families facing emotional and financial hardship. Your support can make a difference.
“A chilling moment for financial privacy”
— CATO INSTITUTE
Listen to Keonne explain the absurdity of the prosecution, and each interviewer's shock when they see that this is entirely ideologically-motivated "justice".
Behind every arrest and sentencing is a family that is suffering. Bill and Keonne leave behind loved ones who would greatly benefit from community support. Donations will help cover fines, living expenses, and provide stability during this crisis.
"As a wife, watching my husband fight against the government for what he believes in and knows is right has been heartbreaking. They have taken everything away from us. Your generosity means the world to me." — Lauren (Keonne's wife)
"My husband and I stay in the fight. The fight stays within us." — Sabrina (Bill's wife)
The American President has the ability to issue pardons to convicted persons, and historically has done so to free Americans from unjust prison situations. Recently, Ross Ulbricht was pardoned after Bitcoiners highlighted the injustice. We are asking for a full pardon for Bill and Keonne. This new petition (launched November 11, 2025) is evidence that a large group demands justice—please sign and share to build momentum! Currently, it has only 1 signature—your voice can help it gain traction.
Sign the petition here: Stand Up for Freedom: Pardon the Innocent Coders
The links to fundraising on this website will go directly to the family members of Bill and Keonne with no third parties in between. They will be split evenly between Bill's and Keonne's families.
Bill and Keonne are grateful for those who previously donated to the legal funds via the P2P Rights Foundation. Unfortunately, these funds did not cover the massive legal expenses, and an additional $250,000 fine was levied on both Keonne and Bill. Donations here will cover fines and any other family needs.
Important Note: The petition link goes to Change.org, which may prompt you for a donation. Please be aware that donations made on Change.org do NOT go to Keonne and Bill. To support their families directly, please use the donation options below.
Our goal is to raise at least $500,000 to support the families, including covering both court fines and living expenses.
For direct donations, please use one of the addresses below.
Both Keonne and Bill would be deeply grateful to receive letters of support. Mail is a vital connection to the outside world and can make a significant difference during their incarceration. Please follow the facility guidelines carefully.
Mailing Address:
Keonne Rodriguez
11404-511
FPC Morgantown
FEDERAL PRISON CAMP
P.O. BOX 1000
MORGANTOWN, WV 26507
Mailing Guidelines:
Please note: You can only send letters (no more than 3 pages long). No packages or other items are allowed. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an online retailer like Amazon. All letters must include a full return address and sender name to be delivered.
Bill does not wish to receive anything at this point in time. We will update this section if his situation changes.
This website is dedicated to providing updates on Keonne and Bill, offering fundraising for their vulnerable families, and keeping them alive in the public consciousness so their story can be learned from. We also seek a Presidential Pardon to set them free. Please bookmark it, share it, and make sure to follow these social media accounts for real-time updates:
Help others see the human side of this case. Share this page with people who care about developers' rights, privacy, and families in crisis. Use the buttons below to spread the word on social media.
Your support can make a real difference—sign the petition to demand a pardon and donate to help the families through this crisis.