Sam Bankman-Fried’s Incarceration: Inside Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried finds himself spending his third night in one of New York’s most notorious prisons. This stark contrast from his affluent upbringing in a multi-million dollar home has captivated public interest. Bankman-Fried’s bail was revoked by Judge Lewis Kaplan during an August 11 hearing, leading to his confinement in the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). Despite his legal team’s efforts to appeal the decision, Bankman-Fried is expected to remain in the facility for at least the next two months until his criminal trial takes place.

The Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)

The MDC, a federal administrative detention center located in New York, is the current residence for over 1,500 inmates, surpassing its intended capacity of 1,000. It is an all-gender facility designed to accommodate individuals under federal custody. Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) has been embroiled in numerous scandals involving inmate mistreatment and corruption, making it far from the ideal environment for Bankman-Fried to await his trial.

Former warden Cameron Lindsay described the Metropolitan Detention Center as one of the most troubled facilities within the Bureau of Prisons. The facility’s history includes incidents such as guards accepting bribes to smuggle contraband like phones, cigarettes, and drugs. Additionally, a week-long power outage during winter 2019 left inmates without heating, further highlighting the subpar conditions within the facility.

Notable Inmates of the MDC

Bankman-Fried joins a list of high-profile individuals who have previously been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center. Among them are artists 6ix9ine, R. Kelly, and Fetty Wap, as well as Martin Shkreli, popularly known as “pharma bro.” Additionally, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking accomplice, also spent time at the MDC. The presence of these well-known figures serves to highlight the prominent nature of the prison and the diverse range of individuals who have passed through its gates.

The Revocation of Bankman-Fried’s Bail

Bankman-Fried’s bail was revoked following the leak of a diary belonging to former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison, a witness in his criminal trial. Prosecutors alleged that Bankman-Fried leaked the diary in an attempt to discredit Ellison and intimidate her. The contents of the diary were published in The New York Times, revealing personal details about Ellison’s feelings toward Bankman-Fried and her role within the company.

In response to the allegations, Bankman-Fried‘s lawyers denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his contact with reporters was within his rights to make fair comments on an ongoing article. They have already filed an appeal to challenge the judge’s decision and revise the revocation of his bail.

The Troubled Past and Scandals of the MDC

The Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center has a history marred by scandals and allegations of mistreatment. In 2019, the facility faced scrutiny when it experienced a power outage during winter, leaving inmates without heat for an entire week. Reports emerged of inmates banging on cell windows, seeking attention from onlookers and non-violently protesting the dire conditions. However, these protests were met with force, with inmates being pepper-sprayed, thrown into solitary confinement, or having their access to toilets restricted.

Moreover, the MDC has faced corruption allegations, including instances of guards accepting bribes to smuggle contraband into the facility. These incidents raise serious concerns about the overall management and security within the prison, further emphasizing the challenging environment Bankman-Fried finds himself.