Judge to hear Sam Bankman-Fried's defense against 4 million pages of newly released evidence

Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered the government to respond to Bankman-Fried's advice regarding appropriate access to investigative documents, as well as to a request barring prosecutors from using new evidence.

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A federal judge will hear defense arguments for Sam Bankman-Fried against a package of evidence recently released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) on August 25. According to Bankman-Fried's lawyers, an additional 4 million discovery pages were released less than six weeks before his trial, scheduled for October 3.

On August 26, Judge Lewis Kaplan issued an order asking the government to respond to letters from the Bankman-Fried legal team regarding its proper access to investigative documents, as well as a request to prevent the government to use evidence produced after July. 1.

According to Bankman-Fried attorneys:

"We further oppose the government's production, just yesterday, of an additional 4 million pages of discovery. The government cannot be allowed to release millions of defense pages within six weeks. before trial, [...] For the reasons already discussed in our in limine motions, ECF #206, the government should be barred from using such evidence at trial."

Today's decision allows counsel for Bankman-Fried to present his case at a videoconference hearing on August 30.

Order of Judge Lewis Kaplan dated August 26. Source: Inner City Press

Bankman-Fried is accused of misappropriating user funds for investments, personal expenses and political campaign donations. A total of 12 charges have been filed against the former FTX CEO, which will be heard in two trials beginning in October 2023 and March 2024.

Earlier this week, Bankman-Fried