FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried finds himself in a dire situation while in custody, as reported by Reuters. The founder of the troubled cryptocurrency firm is desperately in need of his depression and ADHD medications. In light of his upcoming fraud trial, his legal team has made a strong plea to ensure that these essential medications are provided to him promptly.
Bankman-Fried and his legal representatives have written a letter to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, urging the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn to assist their client in receiving his daily Emsam skin patch, which is used to treat depression. They are also requesting three to four daily doses of Adderall, a drug used to manage ADHD. Bankman-Fried, who is now 31 years old and was once a billionaire, has relied on these medications for five and three years, respectively.
FTX’s founder’s legal counsel emphasizes the crucial importance of maintaining his medication schedule. Without it, Bankman-Fried’s well-being could be severely compromised, hindering his ability to actively participate in his defense. A letter from his psychiatrist, submitted to the court, reinforces this concern.
Last Friday, Judge Kaplan decided to transfer Bankman-Fried to the MDC after uncovering potential interference with witnesses. This transfer has left him with only a limited supply of his medicines, sufficient for a short period of time, as highlighted by his lawyers.
Bankman-Fried vehemently denies allegations of diverting billions from FTX to compensate for losses at his Alameda Research hedge fund. Prior to the recent turn of events, he was mostly confined to his parents’ residence in Palo Alto, California, with a substantial $250 million bond serving as a guarantee following his extradition from the Bahamas in December. FTX had previously established its headquarters in the Bahamas.
A poignant moment in a Bahamian courtroom underscored the criticality of Bankman-Fried’s medical requirements. During an initial hearing, he had to briefly step out to adjust his Emsam patch, shedding light on the importance of his medical regimen.
