Meet Bill and Keonne: Real People, Real Lives
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:
William Lonergan Hill
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.
Keonne Rodriguez
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.
The Story
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)
Why This Matters: Government Overreach
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.
Erodes Privacy Rights
Lack of financial privacy exposes lawful transactions to surveillance. Tools like Samourai protect dissidents and everyday users.
Stifles Innovation
Drives developers offshore, threatening U.S. leadership in crypto. Criminalizing code violates the 1st Amendment.
Threatens Families
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
The Families
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)
"I love my husband. People would sometimes define him as “peculiar”; I would say, “special.” I love him the way he is, for who he is." — Sabrina (Bill's wife)
The Pardon
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 Donations
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.
Donation Progress
Our goal is to raise at least $500,000 to support the families, including covering both court fines and living expenses.
Recent Updates
November 19, 2025: Bill sentenced to 4 years and $250,000 fine. Ordered to surrender himself to prison on Dec 19.
November 16, 2025: Lauren celebrates her and Keonne's wedding anniversary before he goes to prison —
Join the conversation
November 6, 2025: Keonne sentenced to 5 years and $250,000 fine. Ordered to surrender himself to prison on Dec 19.
The Website
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:
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