Former FTX Digital Markets co-CEO Ryan Salame appeared in court on September 12, where Judge Lewis Kaplan of the Southern District of New York questioned whether Salame committed perjury during his guilty plea related to campaign finance violations and conspiracy.
Judge Considers Vacating Guilty Plea
Salame’s legal troubles stem from his role in FTX’s downfall and allegations of illegal political contributions. During his September 2023 guilty plea, Salame testified that there were no undisclosed agreements with prosecutors. However, as investigations into his partner, Michelle Bond, continued, Salame filed a motion to vacate his plea. He suggested he would testify that he believed an agreement existed with prosecutors.
Judge Kaplan expressed concern that Salame may have perjured himself by failing to disclose such an agreement, raising the possibility of vacating his guilty plea. The judge has yet to make a final ruling on this matter, stating that he would take the information “under advisement.”
Campaign Finance Allegations and Legal Battle
Salame’s legal troubles are tied to his alleged role in illegally funding Bond’s 2022 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. Bond, who shares a child with Salame, has been indicted on campaign finance violations. In an August 22 indictment, prosecutors alleged that Salame and Bond illegally funded her political campaign.
Salame initially sought to vacate his guilty plea in relation to these charges but withdrew the motion on August 29, indicating he would refer the issue to Bond’s criminal case.
Prison Sentence and Reporting Date
Salame was sentenced to 90 months in prison for his involvement in FTX’s collapse, but his reporting date has been adjusted multiple times. Initially ordered to report on August 29, Salame requested a delay due to medical issues. At the September 12 hearing, Judge Kaplan moved his reporting date up by two days, now set for October 11.
Salame, like Bond, is currently free on $1 million bail and has surrendered his travel documents. He remains active on social media, making claims related to his case and other individuals involved in FTX’s collapse.
