Bankman-Fried needs Adderall to testify, defense requests delay in trial

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2023

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Lawyers for disgraced FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried say he urgently needs his long-release Adderall, otherwise, they’ll need to take a day off in the criminal trial that could put the former crypto billionaire in prison for the rest of his life.

In a late-night appeal to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Sunday night, Oct. 15, attorneys representing Bankman-Fried requested that he be given his 12-hour extended-release 20mg dose of Adderall Monday morning before being taken to the courthouse for trial, which resumed this morning at 9:30 A.M.

Mark Cohen’s letter to Judge Kaplan adds that Bankman-Fried has “not been able to concentrate at the level he ordinarily would” without his prescribed medication.

“Bankman-Fried has been doing his best to remain focused during the trial for the past two weeks, despite not having his prescribed dose of Adderall during trial hours,” continues the letter to the court.

Cohen, in fact, says that Bankman-Fried’s decision of whether or not to testify hinges on the defendant’s access to a medicine used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

“However, as we approach the defense case and the critical decision of whether Mr. Bankman-Fried will testify, the defense has a growing concern that because of Mr. Bankman-Fried’s lack of access to Adderall he has not been able to concentrate at the level he ordinarily would and that he will not be able to meaningfully participate in the presentation of the defense case,” Cohen wrote.

Since being remanded to custody in August over alleged witness tampering involving his ex-girlfriend and the government’s star witness, Caroline Ellison, the former FTX chief has been trying to get access to two different prescriptions.

In a previous letter to the court, Cohen wrote that “for over five years Mr. Bankman-Fried has been prescribed Emsam 9mg/24 hrs transdermal patch for the treatment of depression” and that “for the past three years, Mr. Bankman-Fried has been prescribed Adderall 10mg tablets, 3-4x/day for the treatment of ADHD.”

So far, multiple attempts at getting regular access to his medication, despite cooperation from the government, have proved futile.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Court and the Government to find a way to address these issues,” Cohen wrote. “The defense has also attempted to resolve this matter with the BOP, but we have received no response to numerous emails and voice messages,” he said.

Bankman-Fried’s counsel has asked that if the medicine is either ineffective on Monday (if Bankman-Fried receives it) or if he is still unable to gain access to his prescriptions, that court be adjourned on Tuesday to “find a solution that will work for the remainder of the trial.”

A previous request for meds made in August included a letter from his psychiatrist, George Lerner, who has been treating the former FTX CEO since February 2019.

“Mr. Bankman-Fried has a history of Major Depressive Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” Lerner wrote.

ADHD is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Bankman-Fried told a Bahamas judge in December that he took medication to treat depression and ADHD.

Lerner added in his letter that Bankman-Fried had tried other antidepressants but said they were ineffective for his symptoms.

“Additionally, there have been times when Mr. Bankman-Fried did not have access to the Emsam patch (typically when travelling/abroad) and exhibited symptoms of depression, including lethargy, anhedonia, low motivation, and increased ruminations,” Lerner wrote.

Without his medication, Lerner warned the judge, “Bankman-Fried will experience a return of his depression and ADHD symptoms and will be severely negatively impacted in his ability to assist in his own defense.”

For nearly a year, there’s been a nationwide shortage of Adderall, the popular stimulant used to treat ADHD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has called on drug manufacturers to increase production.

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Costco members get up to $1,250 off certified Volvos –here’s how

Published

3 hours ago

September 4, 2025

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Costco members get up to ,250 off certified Volvos –here’s how

Costco members looking for a break on car prices can tap into a new Volvo deal this fall. Members can tap into limited-time manufacturer incentives through the Costco Auto Program, a year-round auto-buying service that secures prearranged low pricing. The latest: a Certified by Volvo Limited-Time Special launched this week.

Certiﬁed by Volvo vehicles are pre-owned Volvos that must pass a rigorous test with 170+ points, have less than 80,000 miles, and receive a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report. They come with roadside assistance, and EVs and plug-in hybrids also include an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

Until October 31, 2025, eligible Costco members can score an exclusive bonus when buying select Certified by Volvo vehicles from model years 2022 through 2025.5. Gold Star and Business Members get $1,000 off, and Executive Members get $1,250 off. The offer applies to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and BEVs. What makes this deal sweet is that the Costco perk stacks with any other manufacturer incentives you qualify for.

Among the vehicles on the eligible list: The Volvo EX30, the EX90, the XC90*, the most requested premium midsize SUV among Costco members last year, and the Volvo C40 EV, which also topped requests in the premium electric compact SUV category.

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To cash in on the offer, Costco members must register online for a certificate, then bring it to a Volvo dealership where they present it at the time of purchase. Full details are on the Certified by Volvo Limited-Time Special page.

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The ultra-luxe Genesis GV90 steals the spotlight at the brand’s new flagship space

Published

4 hours ago

September 4, 2025

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The GV90 is set to arrive as the most luxurious Genesis vehicle to date. With its debut approaching, Genesis is showcasing the ultra-luxe SUV at its new flagship brand space.

Genesis opens new brand space based on the GV90

Although it’s not yet in production form, Genesis is still showcasing its stunning new full-size electric SUV. The Neolun concept, unveiled last March at the New York Auto Show, will soon arrive as the brand’s new flagship model.

When Genesis launches the GV90, expected in mid-2026, it will become the brand’s largest and most luxurious electric vehicle yet.

According to Genesis, the GV90 is “an ultra-luxe, state-of-the-art SUV” that will take the luxury brand to the next level. We’ve seen camouflaged prototypes out testing a few times, revealing advanced new features and luxury design elements, such as coach doors, adaptive air suspension, and more.

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The GV90, or Neolun concept (for now, at least), is the centerpiece of the company’s new “Night in Motion” space, which Genesis opened on Thursday.

The Genesis Neolun concept (Source: Hyundai Motor Group)

Based on the Neolun concept, the new exhibition is “the starting point of the Genesis brand’s spatial philosophy.” It’s designed to showcase the brand’s latest design and the beauty of Korean aesthetics.

Genesis is expected to launch the GV90 in mid-2026, but we could see an official debut before the end of the year.

We will learn prices, range, and other specs soon, but the GV90 is expected to debut on Hyundai’s new eM platform. Hyundai claimed the new platform will “provide 50% improvement in driving range” compared to current EVs. It will also offer advanced Level 3 autonomous driving features.

One thing is sure: The Genesis GV90 won’t be cheap. As its largest and most luxurious SUV, the GV90 is expected to start at around $100,000. Higher trim levels could reach upwards of $120,000 or more.

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Ampion’s community solar tool crosses state lines to cut bills

Published

5 hours ago

September 4, 2025

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Ampion's community solar tool crosses state lines to cut bills

Ampion Renewable Energy has introduced a new way to expand community solar access – one that breaks barriers by crossing state lines.

The company just launched Synthetic Community Solar, a tool that lets developers extend the financial benefits of solar projects to subscribers in other states. That’s a big shift from the usual model, where subscribers need to live in the same utility territory as the solar farm. This new approach also helps low-income households save more on energy bills while giving developers a faster route to federal tax incentives.

Here’s how it works: When a solar farm is built in one state, Ampion works with utilities to transfer the financial benefits through solar credits to income-qualified households in another state. For example, a 2.5 MW project in Maine already provides Illinois subscribers with up to 20% savings on their electricity bills.

For developers, the timing is critical. The Inflation Reduction Act gives bonus tax credits, known as Category 4 Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), to projects that deliver at least half of the financial benefits to low-income households. Synthetic Community Solar makes it easier to meet those requirements, which in turn improves project economics and long-term site viability.

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This model is especially useful when a project is in an area where recruiting low-income subscribers is expensive or challenging. Instead of letting credits go unused, developers can cross state lines, making the project more financially sustainable while supporting households that need savings the most.

Ampion’s CEO and founder, Nate Owen, said the goal is to solve a geographic barrier that has historically limited community solar growth. By bridging programs across different states, the initiative supports the company’s aim to make renewable energy accessible “everywhere, for everyone.”

With the IRA’s major incentives set to expire, solutions like Synthetic Community Solar could help keep projects viable while spreading the financial benefits of clean energy further.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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