Key Insights:

• Caroline Ellison requests to protect supporters’ identities ahead of her FTX-related sentencing hearing.
• Ellison’s legal team seeks to redact personal and medical details to prevent potential harassment and exposure.
• Ellison’s sentencing could follow that of former FTX executives facing prison for their roles in the collapse.

Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research and a key figure in the FTX collapse case, has filed a legal motion requesting that the court protect the identities of her supporters ahead of her sentencing on September 24. The motion, filed on September 9, asks for personal information in letters of support to be redacted to prevent potential harassment or doxing.

Ellison’s attorney, Anjan Sahni, submitted the motion to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The request comes amid concerns about the safety and privacy of those offering letters of support, as well as ongoing scrutiny surrounding Ellison’s involvement in the high-profile FTX case.

Concerns Over Privacy and Harassment

In the motion, Sahni explained that public disclosure of sensitive personal details could lead to further harassment of Ellison and those supporting her. Since the case first became public, Ellison has faced significant media attention, which has only intensified following her testimony during the criminal trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

The filing argues that revealing the names and details of her supporters could lead to negative consequences for these individuals.

“The court should allow redaction to avoid subjecting Ellison’s friends and family to the same harassment she has faced,” the motion stated.

The document also indicates that disclosing Ellison’s current living conditions, medical details, or the organizations she is involved with could expose her to additional threats.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Ellison’s Cooperation

Ellison’s legal troubles date back to December 2022, when she pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. These charges relate to her involvement in the mismanagement of billions in customer funds between FTX and Alameda Research. Her cooperation with authorities, including her testimony against Bankman-Fried, is expected to be a critical factor in determining the length of her sentence.

Although Ellison faces a possible maximum sentence of 110 years in prison, legal experts predict a reduced sentence due to her cooperation. Sahni’s motion also mentions the submission of medical information for the court’s consideration, though specifics on this matter were not made public. The former Alameda CEO has been largely absent from the public eye since her testimony and has not appeared in court in person since then.

Redactions Sought for Medical and Personal Information

Alongside protecting her supporters, Ellison’s legal team has also requested the redaction of her personal information, such as details about her living situation, her partner, and her involvement in various organizations. Additionally, the motion seeks to shield any medical records or treatments that may be submitted during the sentencing process.

“Disclosing personal medical information would only add to the challenges Ellison already faces as a public figure in this case,” Sahni argued in the filing.

The legal team believes this information is not necessary for the public record and could further expose Ellison to unwanted attention or threats.

Other FTX-Related Sentencing

If the sentencing proceeds as planned, Ellison would be the third major figure in the FTX and Alameda Research cases to receive a prison sentence. Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced in March to 25 years in prison, with his legal team currently appealing the ruling. Meanwhile, Ryan Salame, former co-CEO of FTX Digital Markets, received a 90-month prison sentence, and his attorneys are preparing to challenge his guilty plea in a hearing set for September 12.

Other former FTX executives are also scheduled for sentencing. Nishad Singh, former engineering director, is due to appear in court on October 30, while co-founder Gary Wang is set for sentencing on November 20. Wang’s sentencing is expected to be one of the final proceedings related to the criminal investigations surrounding FTX.