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Ben Armstrong, or “BitBoy” as crypto world knows him, is going to jail without bail this week after he harrased a judge in Cobb County, Georgia, according to statements he made on social media and confirmed by local law enforcement.
Mr. Armstrong, 41, said on the social platform X that he got a warrant for his arrest following a series of emails he sent to Superior Court Judge Kimberly Childs. Noone disclosed the details of the correspondence publicly. Authorities said the nature of the communication was sufficient to justify criminal charges.
If convicted, Mr. Armstrong faces up to three years in prison.
Not BitBoy’s First Legal Battle
This latest incident isn’t Armstrong’s first brush with the law. In September 2023, he got into jail after livestreaming outside the residence of a former business partner. The stream, which attracted considerable online attention, centered around a dispute involving a Lamborghini that Armstrong claimed had been stolen from him. Authorities intervened, and Armstrong was taken into custody during the live broadcast.
While the incident may have amused some in the crypto community, it marked a turning point in Armstrong’s public image, shifting from loud influencer to legal liability.
Civil Litigation and $340,000 Settlement
Armstrong’s legal troubles go beyond criminal allegations. In March 2023, he was named in a class-action lawsuit for allegedly promoting Binance and its sale of unregistered securities. The suit argued that influencers like Armstrong misled their audiences while profiting from undisclosed sponsorship deals.
Read Also: Andrew Tate’s Crypto Scams
The lawsuit was settled in August 2024, with Armstrong and co-defendant, NBA player Jimmy Butler, agreeing to pay $340,000 in restitution. The settlement did not require either party to admit wrongdoing, but the reputational damage lingered.
Karate Combat and Meme Coin Mayhem
Amidst his legal woes, Armstrong attempted to rebuild his image with a surprising detour into combat sports. In February 2024, he participated in a celebrity fight night organized by Karate Combat. The event took place in Mexico, where Armstrong faced off against “More Light,” a meme coin developer.
Armstrong emerged victorious after three rounds, and in a bizarre twist, the two reportedly reconciled after the match. While the event generated buzz, it did little to distract from the controversies surrounding his crypto dealings.
The BitBoy Crypto Brand Breakup
In August 2023, Armstrong’s career took another hit when Hit Network, the parent company of BitBoy Crypto, cut ties with him. The network cited allegations of substance abuse and unprofessional behavior, leading to an abrupt separation from the brand he had helped build.
Armstrong fired back, calling the move a “coup” and denying the accusations. Regardless of the internal drama, the split sent shockwaves through the influencer-driven crypto space, which has long relied on personalities over products.
$BEN Coin and CFTC
Adding to Armstrong’s mounting legal troubles was a class-action lawsuit filed by holders of $BEN coin, a crypto token heavily promoted by Armstrong and his team. Plaintiffs alleged fraudulent promotion, claiming Armstrong promised high returns without any factual backing. These promises allegedly led to substantial investor losses.
The lawsuit didn’t stop with Armstrong. Several of his former associates, including those linked to BenCoin ATMs, were also named as co-defendants. The case coincided with a broader Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) investigation into fraudulent practices involving 15 different cryptocurrencies, including $BEN.
From Crypto King to a Criminal
Armstrong’s story from crypto stardom to jail cell showcases the increasing legal scrutiny facing influencers in the blockchain space. Regulators crack down on deceptive promotions, undisclosed partnerships, and false promises. Meanwhile influencers like Armstrong are learning that virality doesn’t offer immunity. With multiple lawsuits, a damaged brand, and now a potential prison sentence, BitBoy’s fall from grace is a stark reminder of the risks that come with blurring the lines between entertainment and financial advice.
Final Thoughts
Armstrong’s case is still developing, but its implications are already rippling through the crypto community. For everyday investors and followers of crypto content, the message is clear: Do your own research, and beware of the hype, especially when it comes wrapped in Lamborghinis, lawsuits, and livestreams.
