Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) has reportedly been sent to jail on Friday after U.S. Judge Lewis Kaplan denied SBF’s attorney’s request for a bail delay. The court date for the former crypto mogul is set for October 2, and he could be sitting in a jail cell until then if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Media reported last month on allegations made by the New York Times that SBF attempted to intimidate one of the key witnesses in his legal battle against U.S. authorities, former Alameda research head Caroline Ellison. Prosecutors quickly requested Bankman-Fried’s detention, claiming he could not be trusted while staying at his parents’ home.
As expected, his attorneys denied the allegations, pointing out that he did not attempt to intervene or intimidate anyone, especially his ex-girlfriend. However, according to recent reports, Judge Kaplan denied the attorneys’ requests for a bail delay.
– My conclusion is that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant attempted to tamper with witnesses at least twice – said the judge.
Interestingly, SBF will most likely be sent to jail in Putnam, New York, and will have access to a laptop with internet connection to prepare for his defense. The other option was to send him to the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, where internet access is restricted for inmates.
The trial of SBF for his alleged involvement in defrauding investors and the massive collapse of his former crypto empire is set to begin on October 2, and he could spend the next nearly two months in jail if his attorney’s appeal to overturn Judge Kaplan’s decision is unsuccessful.
