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How did Ben Armstrong turn BitBoy Crypto into one of the loudest voices in crypto, and what ultimately caused his persona, platform, and reputation to unravel?
Crypto’s Loudest Voice, Silenced by the Law
In March 2025, Ben Armstrong, widely known as BitBoy Crypto, faced a significant legal downfall after years of controversy. Once a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space, Armstrong is now in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail in Florida, charged with felony counts for making written threats against a sitting judge. These charges have drawn widespread attention and marked the collapse of a once-dominant voice in crypto media.
Armstrong’s arrest occurred on March 25, 2025, with confirmation from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office the following day. According to unsealed court documents, Armstrong is being prosecuted under Florida Statute 836.10 for two felony counts related to written threats to kill or injure. The alleged threats were directed at Judge Kimberly Childs of Cobb County’s Superior Court, with each charge carrying a potential prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.
As of June 2025, Armstrong remains in custody, awaiting a psychiatric evaluation that has delayed his bail hearing until early July. Despite his detention, updates continue to appear on his official social media accounts, where his team posts messages encouraging followers to show support during his ongoing legal battles.
The Rise of a Retail-Friendly Influencer
Ben Armstrong’s journey into the world of cryptocurrency began in October 2012, when he made his first Bitcoin purchase at $12.50 per coin. This marked his entry into a space that would later define his career. Before transitioning to crypto full-time, Armstrong operated a digital marketing business and worked with a rehabilitation center in Atlanta.
In April 2018, Armstrong launched the BitBoy Crypto YouTube channel, delivering beginner-friendly content, daily market updates, and token reviews. By early 2022, the channel had surpassed 1 million subscribers, with monthly watch hours exceeding 1.5 million. This success positioned Armstrong as one of the most visible influencers in the cryptocurrency space, leveraging his platform to partner with blockchain companies and promote various crypto projects.
His content strategy reflected the growing trend of influencer-driven marketing in the crypto industry, where visibility often translated into lucrative promotional deals. Armstrong’s approachable tone and consistent posting schedule helped him build a loyal audience, particularly among retail investors and crypto newcomers.
BitBoy’s Reputation in Freefall
By 2023, cracks began to appear in Armstrong’s carefully crafted public image. Allegations surrounding his business practices and promotional activities surfaced, raising questions about the ethics of his operations. In March 2023, a leaked rate card revealed that Armstrong charged $40,000 for YouTube reviews, $20,000 for mentions on social media, and $10,000 for Telegram promotions. These revelations renewed scrutiny of several projects he had endorsed, many of which later collapsed or faced regulatory action.
Among the most notable controversies were projects like DISTX, HEX, and SAFEMOON. DISTX shut down in May 2023, resulting in investor losses of $1.2 million. HEX was labeled a Ponzi scheme by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2023, while SAFEMOON faced fraud charges later that year. On-chain data further implicated Armstrong, showing insider wallet activity shortly after his endorsements.
In June 2023, Armstrong launched his own meme token, BEN, which initially saw significant interest. However, the token’s value plummeted by over 85% within six months, leading to substantial losses for investors. Around the same time, blockchain researcher ZachXBT published an investigation detailing millions in undisclosed promotional payments tied to Armstrong. The report highlighted abandoned projects like MYX and LOCK, which left investors with over $1 million in losses.
Armstrong’s professional downfall accelerated in August 2023 when HIT Network, his former media employer, terminated him for gross misconduct. This was followed by a sharp decline in his financial standing, with leaked records showing a drop in monthly revenue from $500,000 in 2022 to just $50,000 by late 2023. By December 2024, Armstrong reportedly owed HIT Network $250,000 in outstanding obligations.
The Cost of Staying Relevant
Between 2024 and 2025, Ben Armstrong’s public and private life became increasingly unstable. Legal challenges, financial strain, and growing media scrutiny defined this period. In February 2024, he participated in a boxing match during a Karate Combat event in Mexico City, which briefly boosted attention to his meme token, BEN. However, the token’s value quickly declined, reflecting the volatility of influencer-driven projects.
In March 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a public advisory warning investors about the risks associated with influencer-led token promotions. This followed a series of high-profile collapses of projects tied to Armstrong and other influencers.
Personal issues also compounded Armstrong’s troubles. In January 2025, his divorce was finalized, with court documents revealing $180,000 in unpaid alimony and child support. A crowdfunding campaign launched in late 2024 raised $14,800, citing legal and medical expenses. By March 2025, Armstrong faced further legal challenges, including his arrest for felony threats against a judge and involvement in a domestic dispute.
What started as a well-timed entry into Bitcoin evolved into a multi-million-dollar media empire. However, the pressure to remain relevant ultimately overshadowed the principles that initially drove Armstrong’s work. His story underscores the risks of unregulated influence in the cryptocurrency space, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency in an industry still defining its boundaries.
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