An arrest warrant has been issued for Kevin Segal, a self-styled “Bitcoin billionaire,” who allegedly failed to attend a scheduled court hearing after a friend secured his $50,000 bail.
Prosecutors allege that Segal defrauded businesses in Wyoming out of over $212,000. The 30-year-old, residing in California, could face a maximum sentence of 141 years if found guilty.
Reports indicate that Segal portrayed himself as a wealthy investor trying to acquire millions in real estate in the Jackson Hole region while accumulating outstanding bills at high-end resorts and establishments.
Judge Bill Simpson issued a nationwide bench warrant after Segal missed his Wednesday court date and reportedly neglected to surrender his passport as required by the court.
Jason Irvine, who posted Segal’s bond, informed local media that he maxed out three credit cards believing he was helping a friend in distress. Irvine claims Segal promised him a substantial Bitcoin payout, amounting to half a million dollars, in exchange for the bond but vanished after being released from custody on February 14.
“He explained everything away and essentially denied all the allegations mentioned in the media,” Irvine stated. “[He] claimed it was all libel and slander; he insisted he never intended to defraud anyone. He was incarcerated, and that’s why he couldn’t settle any debts.”
Feeling deceived, Irvine messaged Segal, “You screwed me over, and I really don’t believe anything you say anymore.” Due to the financial fallout, Irvine is now contemplating bankruptcy.
Investigators have uncovered a series of fraudulent behaviors throughout Wyoming. Segal reportedly stayed at the opulent Amangani resort with his mother and a friend, allegedly leaving behind an unpaid bill of $2,725.76.
Additionally, three credit cards he used at Spring Creek Ranch to cover payments totaling over $22,000 were identified as fraudulent. He also left the Mangy Moose Saloon without paying a $3,055.28 tab.
The purported scams expanded to individuals as well. Prosecutors assert that Segal enlisted someone to buy a DJI drone in Colorado with a promise of repayment, but a subsequent check for $3,281.46 bounced.
In another case, he dispatched a delivery driver to return a Dodge to Los Angeles, promising to cover return flights that he supposedly never booked. The drivers were left stranded and had to purchase their own tickets home, while Segal later sent a forged wire transfer screenshot to ostensibly address their $3,101 in expenses.
This isn’t Segal’s first encounter with the legal system. Records reveal he previously faced a civil lawsuit alleging he falsely claimed to own stocks worth over $340 million and misrepresented having a successful business in order to lease a property in Los Angeles.
If apprehended, Segal will face an increased cash-only bond requirement of $750,000.