- 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.
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