SBF attempts to circumvent court influence on judgment, judge will consider imprisoning him before trial.

A U.S. judge has tightened the bail conditions for FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, prohibiting him from communicating publicly and indicating that imprisonment may be considered before trial.

US Judge Considers Early Incarceration for SBF

During a hearing at the Manhattan federal court, prosecutors requested US District Judge Lewis Kaplan to immediately detain SBF, alleging that he shared personal diaries of his ex-girlfriend and former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison with a journalist in an attempt to discredit a key witness.

Recap: Ex-Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison's Diary Exposed: Relief Over FTX Collapse, Feeling Happy

According to Reuters, Judge Kaplan had previously imposed a gag order on Sam Bankman-Fried at the prosecutors' request and asked both parties to explain their views on whether it is necessary to incarcerate SBF by August 3.

Kaplan also advised SBF to "take this seriously."

SBF's lawyer Mark Cohen argued that his client only sought to protect his reputation by communicating with the journalist and that if SBF were to be incarcerated, he would have almost no chance to prepare for the trial scheduled for October 2.

Prosecutors Concerned About SBF's Courtroom Maneuvering

Prosecutor Danielle Sassoon from the Manhattan federal prosecutor's office believes that SBF is attempting to circumvent the court and evidence to advance his defense. She pointed out:

• SBF sent an email to FTX's US general counsel in January 2023 proposing to establish a "constructive relationship."
• SBF had over 1000 phone calls with the journalist.

SBF selectively sharing certain private documents to tarnish a witness and create a negative impression of Caroline across various circles. SBF is using the media to bypass the court and evidence to advance his defense.

Sassoon also expressed concerns about what SBF might have told bestselling author Michael Lewis, who plans to publish a book about FTX in October, coinciding with the trial commencement.

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried faces multiple criminal charges following the collapse of the FTX exchange last year. He spent eight nights at Fox Hill Prison in the Bahamas after being extradited back to the US and was subsequently released on bail as expected, residing with his parents in California and living a relatively free life.

During the January court appearance, he pleaded not guilty to the various criminal charges, leading to speculation that he is employing delay tactics, resulting in his trial being postponed until October.