Liberty Dollar Founder Convicted in Federal Court

Bernard von NotHaus found guilty of counterfeiting, accused of domestic terrorism by U.S. Attorney

STATESMAN SENTINEL
March 21, 2011

The founder and monetary architect of the popular alternative currency Liberty Dollar was found guilty of four federal charges last Friday.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours to reach a verdict after an eight day trial in Statesville, North Carolina.

Bernard von NotHaus, 67, was convicted of the following counts:

1. of making coins resembling and similar to United States coins;
2. of issuing, passing, selling, and possessing Liberty Dollar coins;
3. of issuing and passing Liberty Dollar coins intended for use as current money;
4. and of conspiracy against the United States

Liberty Dollar’s Bernard Von NotHaus was accused by U.S. Attorney Tompkins in the announcing verdict of “domestic terrorism.”

“Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism.  While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country.”

Bernard Von NotHaus remains free on bond and faces a sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment on count two of the indictment and a fine of not more than $250,000.  He also faces a prison sentence of five years and fines of $250,000 on both counts one and three.

The United States is seeking a forfeiture of approximately 16,000 pounds of Liberty Dollar coins and precious metals, valued at approximately $7 million.

An appeal is planned but von NotHause issued a warning in an email to Liberty Dollar customers that their property is at risk of forfeiture by the Feds in the meantime.

The full announcement by the U.S. attorney’s office of the case United States v. Bernard von NotHaus can be viewed here.

An unofficial account of the trial can be read here.