In a recent development surrounding the FTX fraud trial, Sam Bankman-Fried's legal team has raised concerns about their client's ability to meaningfully participate in the trial due to a lack of access to his prescribed ADHD medication, Adderall. The defense asserts that without the medication, Bankman-Fried, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, struggles to concentrate during court proceedings, potentially compromising his ability to defend himself.
The issue came to light when Bankman-Fried's lawyers sent a letter to a federal judge, detailing their client's need for a 12-hour extended-release 20 mg dose of Adderall before being moved to the courthouse for trial. The letter, penned by his attorney Mark Cohen, emphasized the significance of the medication in ensuring Bankman-Fried's active participation in the trial.
"The defense has a growing concern that because of Mr. Bankman-Fried's lack of access to Adderall he has not been able to concentrate at the level he ordinarily would and that he will not be able to meaningfully participate in the presentation of the defense case," the letter stated.
The defense's concerns stem from the fact that while Bankman-Fried receives doses of Adderall early in the morning, the effects wear off by the time the trial commences at 9:30 am. Despite previous rulings by the overseeing judge that the FTX founder should be provided with all his prescriptions for ADHD and depression, it appears he has not had consistent access to them during court hours. The defense claims that prison officials have not been responsive to their repeated requests for more ADHD medication.
FTX, founded by Bankman-Fried in May 2019, faced a dramatic downfall last year, leaving an $8 billion void in its accounts. Bankman-Fried has been charged with multiple allegations, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. He has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial has seen testimonies from key figures, including Bankman-Fried's ex-girlfriend and former colleague, Caroline Ellison, and his old friend Gary Wang. Both Ellison and Wang have pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and conspiracy and are now serving as witnesses for the U.S. government.
The defense has also requested the court to adjourn the trial for a day on October 17, allowing them additional time to address the medication issue and further prepare for the trial. They have proposed an alternative solution, suggesting that the court issue an order permitting Bankman-Fried to take his prescribed Adderall at the courthouse on trial days.
The trial's outcome remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding Bankman-Fried's ADHD medication has added another layer of complexity to an already high-profile case.
