Skip to content
Crypto News Focus logo CNF_CRYPTO_NEWS_FOCUS_LOGO 8

Crypto News Focus

your day to day crypto news site

Primary Menu
  • Home
  • News
    • Bitcoin News
    • Ripple XRP news
    • Ethereum News
    • Cardano News
    • Shiba Inu News
    • Pi Network News
    • More
  • Analysis
  • PR Desk
  • About Us
  • General Policy & Privacy
  • Guides
    • Bitcoin Guides
    • Pi Network Guide
    • Cardano Guide
  • Politics
  • Tech
  • Home
  • News
  • Crypto Case Fallout: SEC Lawyers Depart Following Judge’s ‘Abuse of Power’ Sanction
  • News

Crypto Case Fallout: SEC Lawyers Depart Following Judge’s ‘Abuse of Power’ Sanction

vivian 23 April 2024
Sunset
  • Two senior lawyers at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) resigned after a federal judge criticized the agency for its handling of a crypto case, citing “gross abuse of power.”
  • The lawsuit against Digital Licensing Inc. (DEBT Box) was marred by false statements, misrepresentations, and lack of evidence, leading to sanctions against the SEC and apologies from its enforcement chief.

In a dramatic turn of events, two senior lawyers at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have resigned amidst a wave of criticism following a federal judge’s scathing reprimand of the agency’s handling of a high-profile crypto case. Michael Welsh and Joseph Watkins, lead attorneys in the SEC’s lawsuit against Digital Licensing Inc. (DEBT Box), stepped down this month after being informed they faced termination if they chose to remain, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Federal District Court Judge Robert Shelby of Salt Lake City had previously censured the SEC for what he termed a “gross abuse of power” during proceedings related to DEBT Box. The lawsuit, which accused DEBT Box of defrauding investors of $49 million, was marred by false statements, misrepresentations, and insufficient evidence, leading to an unprecedented rebuke of the regulatory body in March.

Missteps and Apologies

The controversy stemmed from several missteps by the SEC legal team. Welsh, the lead trial attorney, inaccurately claimed that DEBT Box was transferring assets overseas, a statement later proven false by the court. Furthermore, Judge Shelby raised concerns over misleading representations made by the SEC, leading to an asset freeze that was ultimately reversed.

SEC Enforcement Chief Gurbir Grewal publicly apologized for his department’s conduct, acknowledging errors in judgment and appointing new attorneys to oversee the case. Despite these efforts, the fallout continued, culminating in the resignations of Welsh and Watkins.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Fallout

Following the debacle, DEBT Box and other affected parties are seeking restitution, with motions filed requesting the SEC to cover legal fees exceeding $1.5 million. The SEC, in response, moved to dismiss the case against DEBT Box without prejudice, leaving the final resolution of this complex legal saga in Judge Shelby’s hands.

This episode underscores the challenges regulators face in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency enforcement. As digital assets become increasingly mainstream, regulatory missteps can have far-reaching consequences for both investors and market participants. The SEC’s actions in this case serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of transparency, due diligence, and adherence to legal standards in regulating emerging financial technologies.

As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, questions linger about the broader implications for SEC enforcement strategies and the regulatory framework governing cryptocurrencies. The fallout from this case serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in policing the burgeoning crypto market, with reputations and legal precedents hanging in the balance.

Continue Reading

Previous: Floki Inu’s Recent Price Drop: An Analysis and Future Outlook
Next: Ripple vs SEC: Legal Showdown Unveiled – What’s Next for XRP Investors?

Related Stories

Ripple XRP on BLUE
  • News

Ripple Pushes New Crypto Rules to Limit SEC’s Power

Cal Evans 30 May 2025
Tron TRX coin
  • Analysis

Tron Flips Cardano in Market Cap as TRX Eyes $0.30 — But Trouble Looms

Sean Williams 30 May 2025
dogecoin on marbles
  • Analysis

Dogecoin Drops 10% as Traders Eye Rebound from Soaring Volume

vivian 30 May 2025

For general inquiries, please email us at Info@cryptonewsfocus.com

Crypto news focus is your day-to-day crypto news site. Get all the latest News and trends in the crypto, blockchain, and DeFi space. For more info and inquiries, reach out via email at info@cryptonewsfocus.com

You may have missed

Ripple XRP on BLUE
  • News

Ripple Pushes New Crypto Rules to Limit SEC’s Power

Cal Evans 30 May 2025
Tron TRX coin
  • Analysis

Tron Flips Cardano in Market Cap as TRX Eyes $0.30 — But Trouble Looms

Sean Williams 30 May 2025
dogecoin on marbles
  • Analysis

Dogecoin Drops 10% as Traders Eye Rebound from Soaring Volume

vivian 30 May 2025
PEPE COIN IMAGE
  • Analysis

PEPE Eyes New Highs in June Backed by Strong Whale Accumulation

Jane Kariuki 30 May 2025

Social Media

Crypto News Focus © All rights reserved | MoreNews by AF themes.
Go to mobile version
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok