Guilty pleaSouthern Texas
Texas resident pleads guilty in crypto-Ponzi scheme
Aug 4, 2025 · Sourced to the U.S. Department of Justice
This case reached the guilty plea stage in the Department of Justice's public record. Everything below reflects only what the government itself announced, and links to the original release.
A 45-year-old Houston man has admitted to running a fraudulent investment scheme
Defendants
- Samuel Ayala-Ibarra — age 45 · Houston, Texas · pleaded guilty
Charges
Wire fraud
Max: 20 years in prisonSamuel Ayala-Ibarra· pleaded guilty
Financial actions
- fine: $250,000 — Possible maximum fine for each of three counts of wire fraud
Investigating agencies
United States Secret ServiceU.S. Attorney's Office
Case details
- Prosecuting office
- Southern District of Texas
- Judge
- Kenneth M. Hoyt, Senior U.S. District Judge
Cryptocurrency FraudDocument FabricationPonzi SchemeSeizure And ForfeitureVictim ImpactWire Fraud
Primary source
Every fact above is drawn from the Department of Justice's own announcement — a public-domain government record.
Read the original DOJ release →This is a research and reference page compiled from public DOJ announcements, not legal advice. Details reflect the government's statements as of its release date and may not capture later developments such as appeals, dismissals, or overturned convictions. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.