In a surprising turn of events, former FTX executive Ryan Salame has decided to withdraw his petition to dismiss the indictment against Michelle Bond. This decision comes just days before a crucial court hearing. Salame’s legal team, in a letter dated Aug. 29, informed Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of the Southern District of New York about this withdrawal. The petition is being withdrawn “without prejudice,” allowing Bond to address the matter in her own legal proceedings. This move signifies a significant shift in the dynamics of the case.
Salame was sentenced to 90 months in prison in May 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges. These charges included operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and making unlawful political contributions. Michelle Bond, a former congressional candidate, is accused of conspiring with Salame to finance her 2022 campaign unlawfully. She faced allegations related to making unlawful contributions to her congressional campaign. The indictment against Bond was unsealed on August 22, 2024, revealing the gravity of the accusations against her.
Initially, Salame’s petition, filed on Aug. 21, sought a writ of error coram nobis or an alternative writ of audita querela. Salame argued that his guilty plea, entered in May, was based on the false belief that prosecutors would not pursue further action against Bond. However, the government responded to Salame’s petition with firm opposition. Prosecutors deemed his claims as “demonstrably false” and made it clear that the investigation into Bond’s activities was ongoing and separate from Salame’s charges.
Tactical Shift in Strategy
Salame’s decision to withdraw his petition before the critical court hearing marks a tactical shift in his legal approach. His legal team emphasized that this move does not signify a change in Salame’s stance on the case’s facts. Rather, it was a strategic decision to allow Bond to address the issues independently in her legal proceedings. By stepping back, Salame is clearing the path for Bond’s case to move forward without the complications that his petition might have introduced. This withdrawal allows Bond’s case to proceed smoothly under Judge George B. Daniels.
Ryan Salame’s withdrawal of his petition in the case against Michelle Bond is a significant development. This strategic move demonstrates a calculated decision to allow Bond to address the allegations against her independently. The legal landscape of the case has shifted, and it will be interesting to see how Bond’s legal team navigates the proceedings moving forward.
