NEW YORK, NY – Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of cryptocurrency platform FTX, is facing a recommended prison sentence of 100 years, according to his lawyer. Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of fraud and conspiracy last November, has been described as both an “evil genius” and a “brilliant, complex and humane person.” His attorney argues that the suggested sentence is “grotesque” and “barbaric.”
During presentence arguments, Bankman-Fried’s lawyer, Marc Mukasey, criticized the Probation officers’ report, stating that it improperly calculated the federal sentencing guidelines. The recommended sentence falls just ten years short of the maximum potential 110-year sentence. According to Mukasey, a proper sentence should range between five and 6 1/2 years in prison at most.
While the prosecutors’ office has not responded to the matter, Mukasey points out that they agree with the 100-year recommendation and assert that it is supported by trial evidence. The sentencing is scheduled for March 28th, when Judge Lewis A. Kaplan will decide the fate of the man accused of cheating investors and customers out of at least $10 billion.
Bankman-Fried’s FTX trading platform was once viewed as a pioneer in the cryptocurrency industry before it collapsed into bankruptcy in November 2022. Mukasey asks the judge to reject the “barbaric proposal,” emphasizing that his client is a first-time offender who does not use drugs and rarely drinks. He argues that Bankman-Fried is not the villain portrayed in the media or at trial, but rather a “brilliant, complex and humane person.”
The defense attorney also highlights that Bankman-Fried was not acting alone in the misconduct, as there were at least four other individuals involved. He suggests that the victims were always expected to recover their losses in full. Furthermore, Mukasey points out that Bankman-Fried is just 31 years old and had gained recognition through the purchase of Super Bowl advertising and endorsements from celebrities before his downfall.
As the sentencing date approaches, the fate of Sam Bankman-Fried hangs in the balance. Will the judge heed the defense’s plea for a shorter prison term, or will he side with the prosecutors’ recommendation of 100 years? Only time will tell how this high-profile case will conclude.