Heather ‘Razzlekhan’ Morgan Should Spend 18 Months in Prison, Prosecutors Tell Court

In August 2023, Morgan admitted his guilt for two charges: one for conspiring in money laundering and another for plotting to deceive the U.S., both of which could result in a maximum imprisonment term of five years each.

Initially, it was thought that Morgan and her husband Ilya Lichtenstein had only washed the proceeds from a hack (valued at around $7.5 billion today). However, Ilya later confessed to being the original hacker himself and admitted guilt to one charge of conspiring to launder money, which carries a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years.

As per court records, Lichtenstein performed the hack single-handedly back in 2016. It wasn’t until four years later, in 2020, that he informed his wife or involved her in laundering the funds – a task she undertook only after the crime had already been committed, thus making her an accomplice to the offense subsequent to its completion.

In a manner speaking, she found herself unwillingly caught up in a significant illegal operation. Given her loyalty towards her spouse and wish to maintain their life together, she may have felt pressured to assist the scheme. However, simply because she was initially reluctant does not make her actions less serious, as she eventually became an active participant in her husband’s criminal plot and employed her own talents to advance his illicit activities.

As an analyst, I find myself advocating for a more lenient sentencing consideration for Morgan. Her prompt admission of guilt, substantial aid in law enforcement investigations, and minimal personal retention of the ill-gotten gains are compelling factors to take into account.

In my research findings, it’s important to highlight that I, in fact, attempted to hinder justice on multiple occasions during the investigation. This included disposing of a computer down a garbage chute, deleting data from various devices, and deceptively turning off my phone while law enforcement was executing a search warrant at my and Lichtenstein’s Manhattan apartment, under the guise of retrieving my cat from beneath the bed. I believe it is crucial that the judge considers these actions when making their decision.

On the following day after Lichtenstein’s sentencing, which takes place on Nov. 14, Morgan will receive his sentence in Washington, D.C., at exactly 2:00 PM.