US Judge Approves DOJ’s Motion to Exclude SBF’s Witnesses
A judge in the United States has granted the Justice Department’s request to prevent Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the founder and former CEO of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, from presenting his proposed witnesses at his upcoming trial. The decision was made by Judge Lewis Kaplan of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. While SBF’s legal team had suggested seven expert witnesses, including Lawrence Akka, Thomas Bishop, Brian Kim, Joseph Pimbley, Bradley Smith, Peter Vinella, and Andrew Di Wu, the judge ruled in favor of the Justice Department and excluded their testimonies.
Reasons for Exclusion
The judge determined that SBF’s proposed witnesses did not meet the necessary requirements to testify. Bishop and Kim failed to specify their opinions in their disclosures. Smith’s testimony lacked opinions and relevance to the trial, while also attempting to instruct the jury on matters of law. Akka, Pimbley, Vinella, and Wu were found incapable of testifying on the subject matter or providing valuable insights. However, the judge denied SBF’s motion to exclude the DOJ’s expert witness Peter Easton.
DOJ’s Expert Witness Approved
Judge Kaplan allowed Peter Easton to testify as an expert witness for the Justice Department. He dismissed SBF’s objections against Easton as meritless and narrow. According to the judge, Easton’s testimony is based on specialized knowledge and reliable methodology regarding customer fiat deposits.
Hot Take: US Judge Bars SBF’s Witnesses But Allows DOJ Expert
In a blow to Sam Bankman-Fried, a US judge has disallowed his proposed witnesses from testifying at his upcoming trial. The judge ruled in favor of the Justice Department, stating that SBF’s witnesses did not meet the necessary requirements to provide valuable insights. However, the judge did permit the DOJ’s expert witness, Peter Easton, to testify. This decision may have a significant impact on SBF’s defense strategy and the outcome of the trial. As the proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this ruling will affect SBF’s legal battle and the future of FTX.
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