The Securities and Exchange Commission secured a Certificate of Default against John and Jonatina Barksdale on August 18th. This action follows their failure to respond to the SEC's lawsuit concerning Ormeus Global, a cryptocurrency operation the regulator alleges was a $124 million Ponzi scheme.

Personal service on John Barksdale occurred June 20th, with Jonatina Barksdale served via email on June 30th. Their respective response deadlines passed on July 11th and July 21st without any filings. By August 10th, neither Barksdale had answered the SEC's complaint, leading the agency to request a Clerk’s Certificate of Default.

A Certificate of Default is a procedural step signaling a defendant's failure to engage with a lawsuit. It initiates the process toward obtaining a default judgment, where a court may rule against a party that does not respond to legal claims. The SEC intends to pursue a default judgment against the Barksdales.

Jonatina Barksdale's whereabouts remain uncertain. Earlier this year, she was believed to be in either Thailand or Hong Kong. It is unclear if she has relocated further. John Barksdale has reportedly fled to Dubai.

In addition to the SEC's civil action, John Barksdale faces federal wire and securities fraud charges. He is currently considered a fugitive.