Former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky is seeking a one-month delay in his sentencing hearing, originally scheduled for April 8. The request, filed on Feb. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, asks for an extension until May 8, citing the need for more time to prepare an appropriate sentencing submission.

Mashinsky, who pleaded guilty in December 2024 to two felony charges related to fraud and market manipulation of the Celsius (CEL) token, faces significant legal battles on multiple fronts. His lawyers argue that he is being “pulled in different directions” between criminal court proceedings and Celsius' ongoing bankruptcy litigation. They emphasize the importance of submitting a well-prepared defense to ensure the court considers all relevant factors when determining his sentence.

Prosecutors, however, have pushed back against the delay, highlighting that victim impact statements have already been provided to the defense. Mashinsky has also requested a postponement in the presentence investigation report and related responses.

His legal troubles stem from a broader case that also implicated Celsius' former chief revenue officer, Roni Cohen-Pavon, who pleaded guilty to four felony charges in September 2023. While Cohen-Pavon’s sentencing has yet to be scheduled, it is expected to follow Mashinsky’s.

The outcome of Mashinsky’s sentencing remains uncertain. Some high-profile crypto executives, including former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, have faced lengthy prison terms, while others, like ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, have served minimal time. Whether Mashinsky receives a harsh sentence or a lenient one will likely set a precedent for future crypto fraud cases.