Michelle Bond, wife of former FTX executive Ryan Salame, will proceed to trial on campaign finance charges after US District Judge George Daniels rejected her motion to dismiss the case. The judge ruled that prosecutors never promised Bond immunity in exchange for Salame's guilty plea, stating there was 'no ambiguity' in the plea agreement. The case stems from Bond's unsuccessful 2022 campaign for a seat in the US House of Representatives, where prosecutors allege she received approximately $400,000 through a consulting arrangement with FTX and used those funds to support her congressional campaign.
Judge Rejects Immunity Claim in Plea Agreement
US District Judge George Daniels ruled that prosecutors never promised Bond immunity in exchange for Salame's guilty plea. In his decision, Daniels stated that there was 'no ambiguity' in Salame's plea agreement and that all parties involved understood that the government had not agreed to protect Bond from prosecution. The judge explained that evidence presented during proceedings showed that neither Bond nor her legal team had a reasonable basis to believe such a promise existed.
Bond argued that prosecutors indicated during a 2023 meeting that their investigation concerning Salame would be concluded if he accepted a plea deal. Her legal team claimed this statement implied that Bond would not face charges. However, Daniels rejected that interpretation, as testimony from Bond's former attorney confirmed she did not view the statement as a promise of immunity at the time it was made.
Prosecutors Allege $400,000 FTX Consulting Payment
Federal prosecutors allege that Salame arranged a consulting agreement between Bond and FTX through which she received approximately $400,000. According to the government, those funds were later used to support her congressional campaign.
Prosecutors further allege that Bond received hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional transfers from Salame during the campaign period and tried to conceal the true source of the money. Authorities claim she also made false statements to both a congressional committee and the Federal Election Commission about the funding.
Bond Faces Four Criminal Charges
Bond now faces four criminal charges, including conspiracy to make unlawful political contributions, receiving and causing straw donor contributions, accepting excessive campaign contributions, and accepting unlawful corporate contributions. Each charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.
FAQ
What did Judge George Daniels rule in Michelle Bond's case?
US District Judge George Daniels rejected Bond's motion to dismiss campaign finance charges. The judge ruled that prosecutors never promised Bond immunity in exchange for Ryan Salame's guilty plea, stating there was 'no ambiguity' in Salame's plea agreement.
What are the allegations against Michelle Bond?
Prosecutors allege Bond received approximately $400,000 through a consulting arrangement with FTX and used the funds to support her 2022 congressional campaign. Authorities claim she also received hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional transfers from Salame during the campaign period and tried to conceal the true source of the money.
What charges does Michelle Bond face?
Bond faces four criminal charges: conspiracy to make unlawful political contributions, receiving and causing straw donor contributions, accepting excessive campaign contributions, and accepting unlawful corporate contributions. Each charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.
