Legal Team Requests Temporary Release of Samuel Bankman-Fried for Upcoming Trial

Key Takeaways

Samuel Bankman-Fried’s legal team has submitted a letter to Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, requesting temporary release for their client.

The request is based on the need for adequate preparation for the upcoming trial, citing the case’s complexity.

The letter outlines proposed conditions for Bankman-Fried’s temporary release, including restricted access to electronic devices and a gag order.

Introduction

In a letter dated September 25, 2023, attorneys Mark S. Cohen and Christian R. Everdell of COHEN & GRESSER LLP have submitted a request to Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, for the temporary release of their client, Samuel Bankman-Fried (SBF). The request is made under 18 U.S.C. § 3142(i), stating that the release is “necessary for preparation of [his] defense.”

The Complexity of the Case

The letter emphasizes the complexity of the case, stating that it is “highly technical” and requires Bankman-Fried’s input for adequate preparation. The defense argues that third-party experts cannot replicate Bankman-Fried’s unique knowledge and insight into the facts of the case.

Previous Court Rulings

The letter also references a ruling on September 12, 2023, where the court did not rule out the possibility of a future application for temporary release. Additionally, it mentions that the Second Circuit affirmed the Court’s decision to revoke Bankman-Fried’s bail on September 19, 2023.

Proposed Conditions for Release

The legal team has proposed specific conditions for Bankman-Fried’s temporary release, which include:

Being in the company of his attorneys or a security guard when not in court.

A gag order restricting his communication to only his legal team and immediate family.

No access to electronic devices during the temporary release.

Concerns Over Medication

The letter also notes that Bankman-Fried is currently receiving only half of his prescribed dose of Adderall, despite a court order, and does not have access to his preferred allergy medication, Zyrtec.

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