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Sam Bankman-Fried Asked for a New Trial. Prosecutors Used His Own Donations to Say No.

Published by
Zafar Naik

Sam Bankman-Fried wanted a second chance in court. Prosecutors just made clear that it isn’t happening.

Federal prosecutors filed a court response on Wednesday opposing the FTX founder’s request for a retrial, arguing he has not shown his 2023 conviction was unfair.

The “New Witnesses” Argument Didn’t Hold Up

SBF’s February filing, submitted by his mother because he is representing himself from prison, cited two former FTX executives, Daniel Chapsky and Ryan Salame, as witnesses whose testimony could have changed the outcome of his trial.

Prosecutors rejected that. Both men were “fully known to the defense before trial,” they wrote, and could have been called at the time.

“The defense’s decision not to put the witnesses on his witness list or compel their testimony forecloses any claim that their post-trial views are newly discovered.”

The Biden Claim That Backfired

SBF also argued his prosecution was an example of Biden-era DOJ weaponization. Prosecutors called the argument “incoherent” and “fanciful,” pointing out that he was one of the largest Democratic donors in 2020 and 2022, and that his campaign finance crimes were tied directly to those contributions.

Also Read: “The Biggest Question for Crypto”: Sam Bankman-Fried Triggers AI Payments Debate

Where Things Stand Now

Bankman-Fried is currently serving his 25-year sentence at a federal correctional institution in California. His separate appeal at the Second Circuit is still pending, though judges were skeptical when arguments were heard last November.

Caroline Ellison, SBF’s former girlfriend and key prosecution witness, has already been released after 440 days in custody. A Trump pardon was also ruled out by the White House.

Judge Lewis Kaplan has yet to rule on the new trial motion.

The case is US v. Bankman-Fried, 22-cr-00673, US District Court, Southern District of New York.

FAQs

Why did Sam Bankman-Fried request a new trial?

Sam Bankman-Fried requested a retrial claiming testimony from former FTX executives could have changed the verdict, arguing the court did not fully consider key evidence.

What is the current situation in the Sam Bankman-Fried case?

Sam Bankman-Fried is serving a 25-year federal prison sentence after his 2023 fraud conviction linked to the FTX collapse, while his appeal and retrial request continue in court.

What could happen next in Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal case?

The judge must decide on the retrial request. If denied, Bankman-Fried will rely on his appeal, which could review whether legal errors affected the trial outcome.

What is the future outlook for Sam Bankman-Fried’s case?

Legal experts say the conviction is difficult to overturn. Future developments will likely depend on the appeal process and whether higher courts find trial errors.

Zafar Naik

Zafar is a seasoned crypto and blockchain news writer with four years of experience. Known for accuracy, in-depth analysis, and a clear, engaging style, Zafar actively participates in blockchain communities. Beyond writing, Zafar enjoys trading and exploring the latest trends in the crypto market.

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