Sam Bankman-Fried’s request to delay sentencing denied
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan denied former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried’s request for a delay. The motion to postpone Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing was filed by attorney Mark Cohen of Cohen & Gresser. The decision maintains the current schedule for Bankman-Fried’s sentencing, which has significant implications in the high-profile case.
Judge Kaplan stays Bankman-Fried sentencing schedule
Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal team had sought to delay the sentencing hearing, originally scheduled for March 28, 2024, by four to six weeks. The defense argued that additional time was needed to properly prepare for the sentencing interview scheduled for Dec. 21.
Moreover, the defense highlighted ongoing developments, including a potential second trial on truncated charges not included in the original indictment that led to Bankman-Fried’s extradition from the Bahamas. If you are charged with these charges, there may be a separate appearance report and sentencing hearing.
Mark Cohen emphasized that fairness and efficiency require comprehensive sentencing hearings to cover all relevant conduct. However, the government has not yet responded to the defense’s request for consent to a delay.
Judge Kaplan’s decision to deny the request for a continuance highlights the court’s commitment to maintaining the established legal timeline. In his decision, Kaplan noted that the defense did not object to an initial sentencing date and that Bankman-Fried had already been granted a sentencing submission extension.
The denial means Bankman-Fried’s presentation interview will proceed as planned and her sentencing hearing in March 2024 will proceed smoothly. But Kaplan left open the possibility of requesting a new delay if the government decides to proceed with a trial on the amputated charges.
Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty on seven charges including wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering conspiracy, maintained his innocence throughout the trial. Judge Kaplan’s decision adds another layer to the complex legal saga surrounding the former FTX CEO and his fall from grace in the cryptocurrency world.
The way forward in Bankman-Fried’s legal battle
As the legal story continues, the focus shifts to upcoming dates on the judicial calendar. The defense team faces the challenge of preparing for a presentation interview while the possibility of a second trial on the amputated charges is uncertain. These developments are pivotal and could have a major impact on the final sentencing decision.
The government’s position to pursue trials on additional charges remains important. If they decide to move forward, the current schedule may be reassessed and Bankman-Fried’s legal team may file a new postponement request. This scenario further complicates an already complex legal case.
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