Crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, formerly known as ‘BitBoy,’ has reportedly spent a night in jail and faces two charges following his arrest. Armstrong was taken into custody while livestreaming outside a former associate’s house on September 25. He spent a little over 8 hours in jail, and he has been charged with “loitering/prowling” and “simple assault by placing another in fear.” Armstrong has been released on bail with a bond amount of $2,600 and $40 in fees.
In Georgia, loitering or prowling refers to a person being in a place or manner not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant concern for safety. The consequences for a prowling and loitering misdemeanor in Georgia can include a fine of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year, or both.
Simple assault in Georgia can involve an attempt to commit a violent injury or an act that places another in reasonable apprehension of immediate injury. It is typically treated as a misdemeanor, but there can be situations where it is escalated.
Armstrong’s arrest is related to an ongoing dispute between him and Hit Network, which controls the “BitBoy Crypto” brand. The firm and its executives cut ties with Armstrong in August, citing issues related to substance abuse and financial damage to employees.
Armstrong’s arrest has attracted attention in the crypto community, with some seeing it as a lesson about the consequences of unethical behavior and the importance of mental health.