Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, has been facing difficulties while being held in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). During the hearing where Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to fraud charges, his lawyers argued for him to receive better treatment while in prison. According to a transcript shared by the Inner City Press, his attorneys claimed that the MDC did not provide enough vegan options, forcing Bankman-Fried to subsist on a diet of bread, peanut butter, and water. He refused to eat the meat-based meals served at the prison.
Mark Cohen, Bankman-Fried’s attorney, highlighted that his client had not received his ADHD medication since being imprisoned and expressed concern that the supply would run out. Cohen stated, “My client takes Adderall… And like many people in the world, he follows a vegan diet. He had not received his Adderall at all, in the last 11 days.”
Upon hearing these concerns, U.S. Federal Court Judge Sarah Netburn promised to investigate Bankman-Fried’s treatment in the MDC. The judge acknowledged the potential impact it may have on Bankman-Fried’s ability to prepare for his upcoming trials, the first of which is scheduled for October 2nd.
Bankman-Fried’s legal team argued that the lack of proper treatment in prison raised serious Sixth Amendment issues, impeding their ability to fully prepare for the trials. They expressed frustration over the limited access to discovery materials, which can only be reviewed online, and claimed to have been offered inadequate solutions.
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In a recent development, Judge Kaplan ruled that Bankman-Fried could have one-time contact with his lawyers on August 22. He was given access to an internet-enabled laptop connected to a WiFi device. However, the communication was limited, as Bankman-Fried could only use a pencil and paper to write messages, which he would then press against the glass barrier when meeting with his lawyers.
Additionally, Bankman-Fried’s legal team received an offer for him to visit the New York courthouse two days a week from 9am to 3pm. However, they emphasized that during these visits, Bankman-Fried would only have access to a pencil and paper for communication.
These circumstances have raised concerns about Bankman-Fried’s ability to adequately participate in his defense and prepare for his trials. The limitations on communication and access to resources hinder the process of reviewing voluminous discovery material and developing a robust defense strategy.
Bankman-Fried’s treatment in the MDC has drawn attention not only due to his high-profile status as the founder of FTX but also because of the issues it raises regarding the treatment of prisoners and the provision of necessary healthcare, including adherence to dietary preferences and the availability of prescribed medications.
While the legal proceedings continue, it remains crucial to address the concerns raised by Bankman-Fried’s legal team and ensure that his rights are protected throughout the trial process. Adequate access to legal resources, including discovery materials and communication channels, as well as the provision of necessary healthcare, are fundamental aspects of ensuring a fair trial for any individual, regardless of their alleged crimes.
