Judge Issues Allen Charge as Jury Struggles to Reach Verdict

After four days of inconclusive deliberations in the high-profile Tornado Cash trial, Judge Katherine Polk Failla issued an Allen charge to the deadlocked jury on Wednesday. This judicial instruction—sometimes called a "dynamite charge"—urges jurors to re-examine their positions and attempt to reach consensus.

Defense Objects as Prosecution Pushes Forward

Defense attorney Brian Klein argued against the move, noting the jury's apparent inability to reach unanimity and requesting acceptance of a partial verdict instead. Prosecutors countered that deliberations should continue, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Thane Arad stating, "Let's cross that bridge when we get there." The judge sided with prosecutors, extending the trial that could set precedent for 【crypto developer liability】.

High Stakes for Crypto Industry

Roman Storm, co-founder of Ethereum mixer Tornado Cash, faces charges of conspiring to launder over 【$1 billion】, including funds tied to North Korea's Lazarus Group. The case hinges on whether developers can be held responsible for how decentralized tools are used—a question that could reshape the crypto landscape. ——Maximum penalties could bring 45 years imprisonment—— if convicted on all counts.

Broader Implications for Software Development

The defense maintains Storm merely wrote open-source code without control over its application. Legal observers note the outcome may establish boundaries for developer responsibility in decentralized systems, with potential ripple effects across tech industries. As deliberations resume, the crypto community watches closely for signals about future regulatory approaches.

Trial Highlights Regulatory Uncertainties

The prolonged jury deadlock underscores fundamental disagreements about interpreting existing laws for emerging technologies. With SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce recently defending transaction privacy rights, the verdict—when it comes—may force clearer definitions of liability in the blockchain space. The case continues as both sides await the jury's next move.