Bankman-Fried Jailed: Judge Revokes Bail, Denies Delay Ahead of Trial
• Judge Lewis Kaplan revokes former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried’s bail and orders his detention.
• Federal prosecutors have accused him of witness tampering, which will be tried in a criminal trial starting October 2.
• Bankman-Fried will be detained at the Putnam jail pending his appeal.
Judge Revokes Bail for Former FTX CEO
Judge Lewis Kaplan has revoked the bail granted to former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, and ordered his detention after a hearing over alleged witness tampering. CNBC reported the development on Friday.
Prosecutors Accuse Bankman-Fried of Witness Tampering
Prosecutors said that SBF had tried to interfere with witnesses on at least two occasions, leading Judge Kaplan to deny the defendant’s plea for a delayed detention ahead of an appeal. In addition, prosecution had sought to have Bankman-Fried’s bail revoked and he be jailed following instances of alleged witness tampering. The DOJ had allleged that SBF leaked the private diary of his former colleague and now star federal witness Caroline Alison to a New York Times reporter in order to discredit her and possibly affect the jurors.
Bankman-Fried Detained Pending Appeal
Bankman-Fried is being remanded at the Putnam jail pending his appeal and ahead of the October 2 trial. Prosecutors said that he will have access to the internet as he prepares his defence for court proceedings. Defence lawyers have already filed an appeal against this ruling.
Judge Warned Bankman-Fried Prior To Ruling
During last week’s hearing, Judge Kaplan warned Bankman-Fried about his behaviour, noting that bail could be revoked if found guilty of witness tampering charges.
Final Remarks
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman- Fried has been sent to jail after Judge Lewis Kaplan revoked his bail due to allegations of witness tampering in preparation for his upcoming criminal trial on October 2nd . His defence lawyers have appealed this decision but it remains unclear if or when it will take effect before trial commences .