The US government has recently faced a challenge from former FTX executive Ryan Salame, who is seeking to void his guilty plea. Salame claims that his plea was based on false promises made by prosecutors regarding their investigation into his partner, Michelle Bond. However, the US Attorney’s Office has refuted these claims, stating that they are “demonstrably false.” They have emphasized that the charges against Bond are separate from Salame’s case and are still ongoing.
Ryan Salame was sentenced to 90 months in prison earlier this year after admitting to campaign finance violations and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Despite this, he filed a petition on Aug. 21, seeking to dismiss Bond’s indictment or vacate his own conviction. Salame argued that prosecutors implied they would drop the investigation into Bond if he pleaded guilty. However, the government has firmly opposed this petition, maintaining that Bond’s indictment involves additional charges and is distinct from Salame’s case.
Salame’s legal team has filed a writ of “error coram nobis,” alleging that his guilty plea was influenced by misrepresentations from the government. They claim that prosecutors suggested Bond’s investigation would be dropped if Salame pleaded guilty. However, the government has rejected this claim, arguing that Salame’s guilty plea and the charges against Bond pertain to different aspects of the alleged criminal activities. If Salame’s petition is successful, it could lead to a reassessment of his plea agreement, potentially resulting in a full criminal trial.
The court hearing for Salame’s petition is scheduled for Sept. 12 before Judge Kaplan. Both sides will present their arguments, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Salame’s conviction and Bond’s prosecution. Salame is set to report to prison on Oct. 13, following a brief delay due to medical complications. Despite Salame’s plea, the government has made it clear that they will continue their investigation into Bond, signaling a prolonged legal battle ahead.
