Sam Bankman-Fried’s Trial Update
The former boss of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, is facing the judge once again, but this time, it’s not just about crypto again. On September 12, Judge Lewis Kaplan denied his pipedream of a temporary release before his October 3 trial. So, guess what? He’s still hanging out at the prison complex, probably missing his Wi-Fi and snacks.
The Judge’s Verdict
Judge Kaplan was unimpressed by Bankman-Fried’s argument about poor internet access hampering his preparation for the trial. Imagine trying to defend yourself while buffering! Kaplan stated, “The defendant had not made any detailed showing as to specific material…,” which basically translates to: ‘Sam, you’ve gotta be more specific than that!’
What’s Not Working in Prison
Picture this: your lawyer is working overtime to ensure you get the best defense, but you can’t even load the homepage of your favorite website. Bankman-Fried’s team claimed it takes a staggering ten minutes for a page to refresh. Talk about a slow connection! But Kaplan countered with a practical solution: let the lawyers bring Sam the info on a hard drive. Presto! Problem solved, right?
The Rising Legal Tides
Bankman-Fried isn’t out of the woods yet. With 12 criminal charges looming over him in two mop-up trials, his legal journey resembles a horror movie where the monster just won’t die. The next big showdown is set for March 11, just in case you were wondering how long you could keep this popcorn-worthy saga going.
No Request for a Delay?
Despite having the chance to squeak out a delay for the October 3 trial, Sam opted not to ask. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Bring it on!”—except in a less cool and more desperate way.
Staying Out of Trouble
Possibly a hopeful sign, he’s pleaded not guilty to all the charges. But let’s be real: pleading not guilty is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg—hopeful, but you’re still in a lot of pain. How this situation will unfold remains to be seen, but for now, it looks like Sam’s laying low behind bars until the court’s next call.