Attorneys for FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried say he’s having trouble focusing during his criminal trial because he’s not getting his prescribed dose of Adderall each day. In a letter to the judge Sunday, lawyers said Bankman-Fried has gone without his medication most of the day, leaving him unable to concentrate as the defense prepares to make its case.
FTX Founder’s Defense Claims Inadequate Adderall Dosing Hinders Trial Participation; Pleads for Medication Adjustment
Sam Bankman-Fried’s attorneys asked the judge to delay Tuesday’s proceedings to resolve the medication issue. If that’s not possible, they requested the court allow them to provide Bankman-Fried his Adderall doses each day.
Lawyer Mark Cohen said Bankman-Fried gets one dose of Adderall before 6 a.m. each morning before being brought to court. But that wears off well before proceedings begin at 9:30 a.m., according to the filing. Bankman-Fried doesn’t get another dose until returning to jail between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Cohen noted the dilemma directly impacts the pivotal choice of whether Bankman-Fried will take the stand. Due to Bankman-Fried’s restricted access to Adderall, there’s mounting apprehension. He’s struggling to focus at his usual level, and this hampers his ability to actively engage in the defense’s presentation, Cohen emphasized.
Prosecutors and the judge proposed giving Bankman-Fried an extended-release dose Monday morning to see if that helps. But his lawyers worry that the plan won’t work, either because jail staff won’t provide the medication or because it’s ineffective. Cohen wrote:
Even if this occurs, there is no way of knowing at present whether the extended-release dose will be effective for Mr. Bankman-Fried.
Bankman-Fried has attempted to take his prescribed regimen of Adderall XR but has been prevented from doing so by jail medical staff, according to his lawyers. They say they’ve tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issue with the Bureau of Prisons.
The 30-year-old founder of failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX faces charges of bank fraud, and wire fraud. He was arrested in the Bahamas in December and had his bail revoked in August after disseminating Caroline Ellison’s diary excerpts to the media.
Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty, arguing that he did not intend to defraud anyone. His lawyer says any misstatements were mistakes due to chaotic management of the company amid its November collapse.
What do you think about Bankman-Fried’s need for Adderall? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below.
