Judge Suggests Bankman-Fried’s Bail Could Be Revoked
• Judge Lewis Kaplan said that there is probable cause to believe that Sam Bankman-Fried has committed or attempted to commit a federal felony while on release, namely witness tampering.
• Prosecutors asked Judge Kaplan to further restrict Bankman-Fried’s device usage due to his recent usage.
• Bankman-Fried’s lawyers argued they need him to be able to work on his defense.
Judge Suggests Bankman-Fried Could ‘Conceivably’ Have Bail Revoked
A federal judge said there was “probable cause” to believe that SBF engaged in activities that could land him in jail until his trial in October. Judge Lewis Kaplan suggested that this could “conceivably” see the FTX founder sent back to jail until his trial in October. Law professor Richard Painter echoed the sentiment, suggesting that witness tampering might not be a good idea given his current circumstances.
Prosecutors Request Further Restrictions on Device Usage
On Feb. 15, prosecutors asked Judge Kaplan to further restrict Bankman-Fried’s device usage to a single monitored computer and cellphone. Prosecutors pointed to Bankman-Fried’s recent device usage as cause for concern, seeking to further restrict and monitor his usage “with limited exceptions.” During the hearing, Judge Kaplan suggested that it was naive to believe that these restrictions would stop him from using the internet, given that he lived with two parents who both have laptops and cellphones.
Bankman-Fried Lawyers Argue Need for Defense Work
Bankman-Fried’s lawyers argued they need him to be able to work on his defense, claiming: “We cannot go through these extensive financial records without him.” Prosecutor Nicholas Roos seemingly agreed, suggesting there may not be a “great solution”.
Suggestion of Bail Revocation As Solution
Kaplan implied that revoking Bankman-Fried’s bail could eliminate any risks associated with device usage by noting: “There is a solution, but it’s not one anybody has proposed yet.” In response, Bankman-Fried’s lawyers reiterated their need for their client in order for them do their job properly when defending their client against the charges brought against him by prosecutors.
Conclusion
The former FTX CEO has been released from custody after posting an $8 million bond package backed by high profile figures including Andreessen Horowitz partner Balaji Srinivasan and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong earlier this year. His trial is currently set for October 2021 and it remains unclear whether or not he will remain out of custody between now and then or if he will ultimately have his bail revoked as per Judge Kaplan’s suggestion during last week’s hearing