Judge Abrams Excuses Herself From FTX/SBF Legal Proceedings

It looks like the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of bankrupt FTX Sam Bankman-Fried may be getting another judge after the one assigned to the case mentioned a potential conflict of interest.

District Judge Ronnie Abrams has pulled away from all of Bankman-Fried’s legal proceedings on the premise that her husband, Greg Andres is a partner at one of FTX’s advisers last year Davis Polk & Wardwell.

Additionally, Judge Abrams of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York mentioned that the law firm had at one time represented entities that were opposing the Bahamian-headquartered cryptocurrency exchange and its disgraced founder in a lawsuit. However, “My husband has had no involvement in any of these representations,” she started while also clarifying that the District Court is not aware as a form of confidentiality.

“Nonetheless, to avoid any possible conflict, or the appearance of one, the Court hereby recuses itself from this action.”

It is still unclear why Abrams waited until this time before excusing herself from the legal proceedings of SBF. Information is yet to be released about when a new judge will be assigned but there is currently no conflict of interest whatsoever in the FTX and SBF case. Judge Abrams’ mention of her husband who currently works with Davis Polk & Wardwell eradicates any such possibility.

The Prison ‘Break’ of Bankman-Fried

Meanwhile, SBF who was arrested almost two weeks ago has been granted bail on a $250 million appearance bond.

According to the terms of this bond, it doesn’t have to be paid by either SBF, his parents, or the other signatories as long as he appears in court, stays away from illegal businesses, and doesn’t miss out on any of his hearings. It is safe to say he arrived home just in time for Christmas. 

During his time behind bars in one of Bahamas prisons which is notorious for its unhygienic environment, his relatives requested that Sam Bankman-Fried be served only vegan meals. As per a phone call put across to the Fox Hill correctional center in Nassau, SBF had dietary needs that needed to be strictly adhered to.