The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking the court to exclude the testimony of the expert witnesses who will testify on behalf of former crypto-gold boy Sam Bankman-Fried.
Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX, who faces criminal charges for mishandling his clients’ funds, wants to present seven expert witnesses at his trial, but the prosecutor questions the legality of the proposal.
In a motion filed Aug. 28, the United States government, represented by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, says that the proposed testimony of Lawrence Akka, Thomas Bishop, Brian Kim, Joseph Pimbley, Bradley Smith, Peter Vinella and Andrew Di Wu, as well as the accompanying revelations suffer from a series of shortcomings.
The filing states that Bankman-Fried’s attorneys failed to disclose the witnesses’ opinions and establish the basis for those opinions, in violation of court rules.
“When the defendant discloses the expert opinion, the opinions are inappropriate subjects for expert testimony, lack reliable methodology or basis in facts and data, or are irrelevant, unreasonably prejudicial, and confusing to the jury.”
The prosecution says the suggested opinions of the witnesses are impermissible expert testimony.
“The proposed experts would make legal conclusions that are within the scope of the Court and jury, or serve no purpose other than to impart an expert patina to impermissible testimony about the defendant’s presumed lack of criminal knowledge or intent.”
Don’t miss a single beat – Subscribe to receive email alerts delivered straight to your inbox
Check price action
follow us on TwitterFacebook and Telegram
Surf to the Daily Hodl mix
Generated image: Midjourney