Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Reflects on Two Years in Federal Prison After FBI Raid

I write this letter before the sun rises on April 24, 2026. The moon still reigns over the quiet town where, two years ago today, my life changed forever.

At 5:00 AM on April 24, 2024, my wife Lauren and I were jolted awake by sirens, flashing lights, and a megaphone blaring: ‘Keonne Rodriguez, this is the FBI, come out with your hands up IMMEDIATELY!’

Over 50 armed FBI tactical agents surrounded our home. Drones, armored vehicles, and assault rifles filled the street. Men dressed like GI-Joes stormed our property. Once arrested and handcuffed, we were separated—Lauren was detained while agents swarmed our home.

Biden’s DOJ, under corrupt leadership, deployed a militarized raid. They flew a drone through our house first, followed by armed agents. Then came an army of blue-haired DEI hires and officials who looked unprepared for even basic physical exertion. I knew they were there for our tech team. They seized hard drives and USB sticks while I worried about Lauren—and my cat, who seized the opportunity to escape through an open door.

That was my day two years ago. Today, I wake up in FPC Morgantown Federal Prison.

Life Behind Bars: A System Designed to Strip Identity

In prison, every aspect of life is controlled. I am told when to sleep, eat, shower, and even what to wear. My days are dictated by shouted commands over a loudspeaker and a thick book of regulations. Your identity is erased. It’s ‘us and them’—inmates versus guards, prisoners versus COs.

Most correctional officers are professional. Treat them with respect, avoid contraband (especially cellphones and vapes), and they’ll reciprocate. But at the end of the day, they go home. I don’t.

I am now inmate #11404-511, a federal prisoner. Two years ago, an overzealous, politicized FBI—operating under a corrupt presidential administration, a corrupt Department of Justice, and a corrupt US Attorney—raided my home. They indicted and arrested me, along with my co-founder William Hill, in a case that has drawn widespread criticism for its heavy-handed tactics and lack of transparency.

Why This Matters: The Fight for Samourai Wallet and Bitcoin Privacy

Samourai Wallet was built to give Bitcoin users financial sovereignty. The raid and subsequent arrests were not about justice—they were about silencing tools that empower individuals to transact freely. If you have five minutes to read this, you have time to sign the petition to free Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill. Every signature counts.

‘Two years ago, they took everything from us. Today, they’re trying to take our future. But Bitcoin doesn’t stop. Privacy doesn’t stop. And neither will we.’

How You Can Help

• Sign the petition: Demand the release of Samourai Wallet developers.
• Spread the word: Share this story and raise awareness about the raid and its implications for Bitcoin privacy.
• Support Bitcoin privacy tools: Use and promote non-custodial, privacy-focused Bitcoin wallets.

This isn’t just about one case. It’s about the future of financial freedom. Stand with us.