• 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.

Sam Bankman-Fried Appeal Request (Source: Courtlistner )

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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