Against the Rules with Michael Lewis
Judging Sam: The Aftermath
Nov 9, 2023
Rebecca Mermelstein, a defense attorney at O’Melveny and former prosecutor, shares her insights on the aftermath of Sam Bankman-Fried's trial. She discusses the implications of the guilty verdict and what it means for sentencing and cooperating witnesses. The conversation delves into the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal, as well as the emotional reflections from those affected by the case. They also explore public perception and the legal challenges faced in high-stakes trials, offering a nuanced look at justice and accountability.
34:22
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Quick takeaways
- Sam Bankman-Freed was found guilty on all seven counts, with the judge now moving forward with scheduling the sentencing.
- The cooperating witnesses in the trial, if convicted, are likely to receive probation rather than imprisonment due to their cooperation and lack of prior criminal history.
Deep dives
Sam Bankman Freed found guilty on all charges
Sam Bankman Freed was found guilty on all seven counts. This came as a surprise to both the prosecutor and the defense lawyer, as there was a little suspense leading up to the verdict. Despite the expectation of a conviction, the actual moment still carried a weight of gravity. The judge will now move forward with scheduling the sentencing, which is not expected until the end of March. Various factors will be considered in determining the sentence, including the seriousness of the offense, general deterrence, and the presence of aggravating factors such as obstructing justice. There is speculation that Sam's sentence may range from 10 to 30 years.
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