Former FTX Digital Markets co-CEO Ryan Salame’s wife, Michelle Bond, is asking a US judge to drop the charges against her.
She said that federal prosecutors tricked her husband into pleading guilty by promising they would not go after her.
In a filing submitted on May 7 to a federal court in New York, Bond’s lawyers repeated claims Salame had made. They argued that the government used misleading tactics to get Salame to agree to a deal that ultimately sent him to prison.
Did you know?
Subscribe – We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!
What is Staking Crypto? (Rewards & Risks Explained SIMPLY)
According to the filing, prosecutors privately said they would stop investigating Bond—but refused to put that in writing. Meanwhile, the court document said:
Mr. Salame and Ms. Bond’s attorneys were advised that the agreement to cease investigating Ms. Bond could not be placed within the four corners of the Salame plea or other written agreement.
However, it adds that the government still used the promise as a way to persuade him to plead guilty.
It also stated that there was enough disagreement over what promises were made to Salame and Bond that a court hearing—with access to more evidence—should take place.
In August 2024, federal officials charged Bond with several campaign finance violations, including excessive donations, accepting money from companies through middlemen, and filing false reports with election regulators.
Bond’s filing also suggests politics played a part. She hints that her Republican party affiliation may have influenced the charges against her. However, the charges she faces are based on financial records and campaign donations—not on political views.
Recently, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao confirmed that he asked former President Donald Trump for a pardon. What did he say? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
