Supporting Testimonies
A document of nearly 400 pages, filed just before midnight, contains 29 letters of support from Sam Bankman-Fried’s family, former employees, doctors, and victims of his scams. These letters portray SBF’s character and attempt to highlight his philanthropic efforts and anecdotes from his life before FTX.
He wore torn t-shirts and shorts. He would prepare most of his meals himself, usually frying vegan meat from Trader Joe’s with some vegetables, and would make enough for all roommates or visitors who happened to be around.
Dr. George Lerner, SBF’s psychiatrist
Various testimonials, ranging from Sam Bankman-Fried’s mother to former FTX customers, depict a modest personality and lifestyle despite his past fortune. His psychiatrist, Dr. George Lerner, notes his simple lifestyle and vegan diet.
Kat Woods, a former FTX client, stated in court that although she was “immensely harmed” by Sam Bankman-Fried’s actions, the bankrupt exchange founder is “clearly not diabolical.”
Changes in Legal Team and Next Legal Steps
Since his conviction last November, Sam Bankman-Fried has reshuffled his legal team, recruiting Marc Mukasey and Torrey Young. This move was approved by Judge Lewis Kaplan, who ensured that SBF was informed of his right to conflict-free representation.
The sentencing hearing for SBF is scheduled for March 28 in New York. Other cooperating witnesses, including former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison and former FTX CTO Gary Wang, have yet to have their sentencing hearings scheduled.
Sam Bankman-Fried is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center since his bail was revoked in August 2023.
