“Crypto Pastor” Charged with Racketeering, Theft in Colorado After Allegedly Diverting $1.3 Million from Investors

In a recent development, Eli Regalado, who identified himself as a “Crypto Pastor,” has been charged with racketeering, theft, and securities fraud in Colorado. The indictment, brought forth by a Denver grand jury, accuses him and his wife, Kaitlyn Regalado, of diverting approximately $1.3 million from investors through a cryptocurrency scheme. This scheme, Regalado claims, was inspired by his faith, yet it has led to serious legal consequences.

Regalado’s past is marked by a history of legal troubles. He has previously been convicted of theft and served time in prison for car theft. According to Nicole Brown, one of his ex-wives, Regalado has a history of deceitful behavior, describing him as “a scammer … a fraud” and a “con man.” Brown’s account reveals a transformation in Regalado’s character following their marriage, from charming and charismatic to manipulative and abusive.

The indictment includes 40 counts of racketeering, theft, and securities fraud, reflecting the gravity of the allegations. When contacted by CBS News Colorado, Regalado expressed his faith in divine deliverance, while his current wife’s attorney declined to comment on the case. Brown’s narrative underscores the complexities of Regalado’s character and the impact of his actions on those closest to him.

Regalado’s criminal history includes multiple encounters with the law. In 2000, he pleaded guilty to theft in Jefferson County, and in 2001, he was involved in an assault incident, for which he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Additionally, he faced charges for driving under the influence in 2004, pleading guilty to driving while impaired. These past convictions, coupled with the current charges, paint a picture of a pattern of unlawful behavior.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice, resonating with the biblical call to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The pursuit of truth and the care for victims remain paramount in this ongoing legal process.

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