Former FTX CEO Requests Pre-Trial Release Due to Lack of Internet Access in Jail

Lawyers argue poor connectivity hinders defense preparation

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman Fried's legal team has requested a pre-trial release, citing a lack of adequate internet connectivity in the federal jail. In a court filing dated September 8, the lawyers argued that the poor internet connection is hindering their defense preparation and causing a loss of time.

Second request for release follows denial of immediate release

This is the second request for a pre-trial release within the last week. The Appellate judge denied SBF's request for immediate release on September 6 and referred the motion to the next three-judge panel.

Government promises of laptop access not fulfilled

SBF's legal team argued that despite government assurances that their client would have access to a laptop on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., those promises haven't been fulfilled. The lawyers also highlighted instances where SBF's access to the internet laptop was cut short due to jail proceedings.

Limitations on preparation time

The filing noted specific instances where Bankman-Fried's access to the internet was limited. On September 1, he was called back to his cell for a headcount, costing him four hours of preparation time. On September 6, he wasn't released from his cell until 11:00 a.m., and when he tried to access the discovery database, only one document could be reviewed due to poor internet connection. The legal team emphasized that such limitations hinder their ability to prepare for trial.

Bail revoked following attempts to contact and intimidate

After his arrest in the Bahamas on December 12 last year, SBF was released on a $250 million bond and spent most of his time confined to his parents' California home. However, his bail was revoked on August 11 after he was found to be trying to contact and intimidate former FTX executives and witnesses in the lawsuit.

Multiple appeals denied due to bail violations

Since then, Bankman-Fried's legal team has filed multiple appeals requesting pre-trial release. However, judges reviewing these motions have argued that he has violated bail conditions on several occasions, making an immediate release impossible.