Following the cancellation of his bail and his return to prison, Sam Bankman-Fried, once one of the most powerful crypto executives in the world, has been tried in a case where Judge Lewis Kaplan presides. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has published a report on the judge’s orders.
DoJ’s Report on Bankman-Fried Case: New Battery Provided
Bankman-Fried’s defense team argued that he needed to be released from prison to work on his defense, claiming that his weak internet access and low battery life limited his ability to work on his own defense before the upcoming sentencing hearing. After the virtual hearing held last week, Judge Kaplan ordered the parties to prepare reports on the matter.
In response to Judge Kaplan’s request, the DoJ took action and clarified the technological facilities provided to Bankman-Fried at the Manhattan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he is being held. According to the report, the founder of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX has access to a laptop and three external hard drives containing defense materials seven days a week. Bankman-Fried can access the laptop for 11 hours on weekdays and 7.5 hours on weekends and holidays. He also has access to the external hard drives containing defense materials at any time.
Furthermore, the report states that Bankman-Fried can access a laptop with internet connection twice a week. Defense attorneys previously mentioned issues with low battery life and weak internet connection. However, the report states that Bankman-Fried has been provided with a new battery with a lifespan of approximately 8 hours and the internet connection speed ranges from 7.5 megabits per second (mbps) to 34 mbps. The DoJ’s report emphasizes that the internet connection provided is sufficient.
Bail Canceled
Following Judge Kaplan’s decision to cancel his bail, Bankman-Fried was imprisoned in mid-August, as the judge ruled that the FTX founder had made numerous attempts to influence witnesses.
The defense team has filed an appeal to overturn the decision to cancel the bail, but they are requesting his temporary release, arguing that the incarcerated trial is hindering Bankman-Fried’s right to work on his own defense.
