The defense team representing former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried has strongly condemned the federal prosecutors' proposal of a 50-year sentence in response to his conviction on fraud and conspiracy charges last November, deeming it unjust.
In a letter submitted to District Judge Lewis Kaplan, Bankman-Fried's lawyers criticized the Department of Justice's sentencing memorandum, describing it as "disturbing" and alleging that it portrayed their client inaccurately.
Sam Bankman-Fried's Legal Team: 'That is Not Justice'
The lawyers argued that the memorandum depicted Sam Bankman-Fried as a "depraved super-villain" with "dark and megalomaniacal motives" which were contrary to the facts of the case. The defense asserted, "That is not justice."
On Friday, federal prosecutors urged a New York judge to impose a sentence of between 40 and 50 years in prison for Sam Bankman-Fried.
The prosecution justified its recommendation by citing Bankman-Fried's alleged greed and his purportedly futile attempts to resolve FTX's bankruptcy. They presented various documents, including victim impact statements and Bankman-Fried's own writings, as evidence supporting their stance.
In contrast, Bankman-Fried's defense maintained that their client had made "genuine efforts" to help in resolving the bankruptcy situation but was rebuffed by the bankruptcy managers.
The team presented additional documents, including draft public statements, to support their argument. Furthermore, the defense emphasized that Bankman-Fried posed no risk of recidivism.
READ NEXT : Sam Bankman-Fried Will Not Face a Second Trial After Multibillion-Dollar FTX Fraud Conviction
Legal Team Highlights ex-FTX CEO's Health Condition
The proposed sentence has sparked controversy, with Bankman-Fried's legal team labeling it as excessive and unjustified.
Similarly, in the previous month, Bankman-Fried's legal representatives vehemently opposed a recommendation from the probation office suggesting a 100-year prison term, labeling such a sentence as "grotesque" and "barbaric."
They emphasized their client's lack of a criminal record prior to this case and portrayed him as a nonviolent offender.
Additionally, they highlighted Bankman-Fried's medical conditions, including autism, and his purported intentions to positively impact the world through his involvement in the crypto exchange, which has now ceased operations.
This latest development comes amidst a legal battle that has drawn significant attention, given Bankman-Fried's prominent role in the cryptocurrency industry.
The judge is scheduled to issue the sentence on March 28th, marking the culmination of a high-profile case that has captured widespread interest within the financial and legal communities.
Join the Conversation