- DOJ Charges: Two senior staff members of Patterson Joint Unified School District face charges for operating a crypto mining operation in schools.
- Operation Details: Jeffrey Menge and Eric Drabert allegedly used school resources, including electricity, for the mining farm.
- Financial Impact: DOJ claims Menge stole $1-1.5 million, while Drabert stole $250,000-$300,000.
- Cryptocurrencies Mined: Specifics undisclosed, but commonly mined cryptos include Bitcoin (BTC), Monero (XMR), Ravencoin (RVN), and Dogecoin (DOGE).
- Energy Consumption: Mining a single Bitcoin requires about 266,000 kilowatt hours, contributing to energy waste concerns.
- Regulatory Response: U.S. energy regulators crack down on crypto miners, requiring reporting of energy consumption.
Crypto Mining Scandal Unveiled: The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has brought charges against two senior members of the Patterson Joint Unified School District. Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Menge and IT Director Eric Drabert stand accused of operating a crypto mining farm across the district’s 10 schools, utilizing school resources and significantly increasing electricity costs.
Financial Wrongdoings Amid Energy Concerns: Alongside the crypto mining allegations, the DOJ claims Menge and Drabert were involved in financial misconduct. Menge is accused of stealing between $1 million and $1.5 million, while Drabert allegedly misappropriated $250,000-$300,000. This revelation aligns with the broader crackdown on crypto miners by U.S. energy regulators, aiming to address escalating energy consumption concerns.