“Bitcoin Billionaire Sought in All 50 States After Friend Posts, Loses $50K Bail”

A 30-year-old man from Los Angeles, California, who proclaimed himself a bitcoin billionaire found himself entangled in a situation that led to his arrest on fraud charges in Jackson Hole. Known as Kevin Segal, he is facing a potential sentence of 141.5 years for allegedly defrauding various Teton County businesses of approximately $212,000. Despite his pleas for release, Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens denied him that privilege.

Jason Irvine, a friend Segal made during his time in Jackson Hole, detailed conversations they had where Segal vehemently denied the charges against him, labeling them as libel and slander. Segal, incarcerated at the time, claimed he couldn’t rectify the situation while behind bars but insisted he could do so if released and access his considerable savings. Desperate to get out of jail, Segal promised Irvine a substantial bitcoin payout, amounting to around half a million dollars, if Irvine posted his $50,000 cash-only bond. Feeling obligated as a friend and after hearing assurances from one of Segal’s family members, who partly vouched for him, Irvine posted the bond using three maxed-out credit cards.

After Segal was released, he was ordered by the court to surrender his passport. However, he never complied. The case was then reassigned to Park County District Court Judge Bill Simpson, who requested Segal explain his failure to surrender his passport at a scheduled conference hearing via virtual link. To Simpson’s dismay, Segal failed to appear, prompting the forfeiture of the $50,000 bond. Subsequently, a 50-state bench warrant was issued for his arrest, indicating a $750,000 cash-only bond upon capture.

In light of Segal’s evasion, Irvine expressed contemplation of filing for bankruptcy and expressed hope for Segal’s capture to recover his lost money. Irvine also voiced his anger towards Segal, branding him a sociopath and a con man that would face the consequences for his actions. Efforts to contact Segal were futile as both the phone number Irvine provided and the one listed in court documents were inactive.

Authorities were at a loss in determining Segal’s whereabouts. Teton County Sheriff’s Sgt. John Faicco disclosed that Segal had ties to California and the Philippines, making him harder to find. Faicco highlighted the impact Segal’s actions had on the local community, noting several businesses affected by his alleged fraudulent conduct.

Investigations began in March 2024 after Segal failed to fulfill a payment for a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup from a local dealership, which led to subsequent investigations revealing a trail of unpaid bills and allegations of false representation as a bitcoin billionaire to deceive unsuspecting businesses. From unpaid resort bills to fraudulent credit cards and unpaid tabs at local establishments, Segal’s escapades left a trail of financial distress in his wake. Despite authorities managing to track Segal to California, his elusive nature renders his capture uncertain as victims await justice and restitution.