Judge Allows Sam Bankman-Fried to Wear a Suit During Criminal Trial
Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, has been granted permission by a judge to wear business attire instead of a prisoner jumpsuit during his upcoming criminal trial. The United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Prisons Metropolitan Detention Center have been ordered to make arrangements for Bankman-Fried to wear three suits, four dress shirts, three ties, one belt, four pairs of socks, two pairs of shoes, and appropriate undergarments provided by his lawyers.
Judge Restricts Bankman-Fried from Discussing Pre-Trial Detention
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who is presiding over the trial, has ruled that Bankman-Fried will not be allowed to discuss his pre-trial detention with the jury. Bankman-Fried was sent to jail last month after being accused of witness tampering. His lawyers have made several unsuccessful attempts to secure his release.
Bankman-Fried Granted Use of ‘Air-Gapped’ Laptop
In addition to the clothing allowance, Bankman-Fried will also be permitted to use a laptop in the courtroom. However, the laptop will be “air-gapped,” meaning it will not have internet connectivity. A defense paralegal manager will provide him with a laptop each morning that has been disabled by a technological consultant to prevent network access.
Bankman-Fried Faces Serious Charges
Bankman-Fried is facing charges that could result in significant prison time if convicted. He is accused, along with other FTX executives, of improperly using billions of customer assets.
Hot Take: Judge’s Orders Provide Small Comforts for Bankman-Fried
The recent orders from Judge Kaplan allow Sam Bankman-Fried some small comforts during his criminal trial. Being able to wear business attire instead of a jumpsuit may help him present a more favorable image to the jury. Additionally, having access to a laptop, albeit one without internet connectivity, will allow him to take notes during the proceedings. However, these allowances do not change the seriousness of the charges he is facing and the potential consequences if convicted.
By
By
By
By
By
By