Hugh Austin Charged in Crypto Fraud Reappears in SDNY in Tracksuit 2 Days Before Remand Bid

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY Exclusive, August 7 – A man charged with financial and cryptocurrency fraud, whose son as already pleaded guilty, was arrested and presented on July 5 before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the courtroom. Thread.

AUSA: He and his son victimized 20 people for over $10 million, offering crypto through other family members' bank accounts. He has a history of mental health issues and oxy use, living a nomadic lifestyle 

AUSA: He serially opened free 1 month gym memberships in variations of his name. 

Defense: He has A.D.D. and used fentanyl only once, by mistake, in 2021. He is not affluent - look, he is here in short and a T-shirt.

Judge Willis has returned to the bench and notes that defendant didn't flee after son's plea. He is being released tonight, with no GPS yet, with 2 days to come up with a co-signer. 

 Jump cut to August 7 - the conditions still no yet, Austin reappeared in Mag Court. Inner City Press went, thread:

OK - now Eugene “Hugh” Austin is in Mag court, in a track suit. Conditions of bail not met. 

Judge Gorenstein: why didn't you seek an exrension? Defense counsel (by phone) US wanted this hearing. Because of publicity, no one will sign.

Judge: He could be remanded right now. Did you see my email? When can you come in person?

Defense: Tomorrow afternoon?

 Austin is sitting at defense table in his track suit.

Judge comes down off bench to look at big View Sonic computer monitor, says Maybe the email wasn't sent. Or, it was in my order.

Defense lawyer: I couldn't open my email. Judge: It's an order on ECF. Defense: I want a modification, not an extension.

Judge: Lot of mysteries here. I'm on the brink of remanding him, but I'd like you to be present if I do. Do you hear me? Defense: No, there is an echo.

 Now judge speaking softly directly into phone. 

Defense: I'm leaving the country Thursday at 10 am.

Judge: Wednesday at noon. Have the Marshals present.

 Afterward Austin said he left his phone at home because he thought he'd be remanded today. So the non-appearance (in person) and non-filing may have won him at least two days -

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