SBF’s Legal Team Presses Concerns Over Jail Conditions
Attorneys for Samuel Bankman-Fried expressed concerns to Judge Lewis Kaplan on September 5th regarding their client's difficulties in reviewing crucial evidence for his upcoming fraud trial.
They noted that Bankman-Fried was prematurely removed from Manhattan jail’s designated laptop access areas, leading to substantial restrictions over the preceding weekend.
The defense team highlighted a discrepancy between earlier assurances from prosecutors and the actual access Bankman-Fried had. While the government had pledged access to documents from 8 am to 7 pm on weekdays, he was only granted access from 9 am to 2:30 pm on a particular day since his arrival on August 31st.
Bankman-Fried’s attorneys stressed that losing four hours a day (20 hours weekly) is impractical and not in line with government promises. They also noted his lack of access to complete discovery materials crucial for his case.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan defended the accommodations provided thus far.
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Bankman-Fried had been provided with an internet-disabled laptop, access to hard drives, and communication with lawyers through email. They explained that access restrictions were due to jail protocols rather than government negligence.
Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, pleaded not guilty to allegations of misusing investor funds for real estate, political donations, and risky trades at Alameda Research. His trial is set for early October following his extradition from the Bahamas.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
