I should have done more research before sounding off about this. You guys are right, it's a blatant double standard in favor of "established" wealthy investors. I think I'm just biased against meme communities in general after "ironic" meme culture played a big role in getting Trump elected, but that's no reason not to call out bullshit when we see it. It's nice to see some Democrats and Republicans united in fighting this.
The conviction will get overturned on appeal.