Sam Bankman-Fried Seeks New Trial Accusing Judge of Unfair Treatment
- Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried is seeking a new trial, arguing that his previous trial was unfair.
- Bankman-Fried’s legal team accuses Judge Lewis Kaplan of showing bias during the trial.
Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, has officially appealed his fraud conviction, seeking a new trial and alleging that the judge who oversaw his case was biased against him. In a detailed 102-page document submitted to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on September 13, Bankman-Fried’s legal team argues that Judge Lewis Kaplan was “unlawful” throughout the trial, making critical remarks that they claim to support the defense’s case.
Alexandra Shapiro, Bankman-Fried’s new attorney who replaced the previous legal team, highlighted in the appeal that her client never received the benefit of the presumption of innocence. She argues that Bankman-Fried faced bias from multiple sources—the media and the judicial system—even before formal charges filed against him.
The appeal highlights several issues, including claims that the judge blocked critical defense arguments and improperly restricted evidence that could have benefited Bankman-Fried’s case. The filing also raises concerns about procedural errors, such as an “unlawful” forfeiture order and the alleged withholding of crucial evidence that might have supported the defense.
Bankman-Fried’s Conviction and Appeal Process
Bankman-Fried faced conviction in November 2023 on multiple charges related to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange, FTX. He received a 25-year prison sentence in March. His initial legal team recommended a lighter sentence of 6.5 years. Meanwhile, the prosecution sought a term of 40–50 years.
However, the appeal comes as Bankman-Fried’s former associate, Caroline Ellison, prepares for her sentencing later this month. Ellison, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges and testified against Bankman-Fried, has requested no jail time.
Bankman-Fried’s legal team has now taken their arguments to the appeals court. They seek to overturn his conviction and secure a fresh trial.
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