Prosecutors to use personal notes and diary entries as evidence against former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried
Prosecutors in the legal proceedings against former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried have revealed their intention to use personal notes and diary entries by Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, as evidence in the criminal trial. Some key points from the filing include:
- Prosecutors plan to present Ellison’s personal to-do lists and notes as evidence.
- Specifically, a list titled “Things Sam is Freaking Out About” summarizes conversations between Bankman-Fried and Ellison regarding various concerns.
- The prosecution argues that these notes are not hearsay and were taken by Ellison to memorialize information and carry out her role in the conspiracy.
- Ellison’s personal notes offer insights into the day-to-day operations and fraudulent activities at FTX.
- Ellison admits in a recording that FTX had a shortfall in user funds due to borrowing and illiquid investments.
Last month, the US Department of Justice requested a gag order to prevent Bankman-Fried from making statements that could interfere with a fair trial. However, the judge ruled that a gag order would be insufficient and sent Bankman-Fried to jail. Bankman-Fried’s lawyers have responded, seeking to exclude evidence gathered after July 1, claiming it hinders his ability to prepare his defense.
Hot Take
The use of personal notes and diary entries as evidence adds another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings against Sam Bankman-Fried. The prosecution’s argument that these notes were taken to memorialize information and carry out a role in the conspiracy could be damaging for Bankman-Fried. The admission of a shortfall in user funds and the cooperation of other individuals involved further strengthens the case against him. Bankman-Fried’s lawyers will need to navigate the timeliness of evidence disclosure to adequately prepare his defense.
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