Michelle Bond returns to court for an evidentiary hearing aimed at determining whether testimony about Ryan Salame’s plea agreement—central to alleged campaign finance violations tied to FTX—can be admitted. The hearing will focus on whether Bond’s statements and related prosecutorial promises are relevant to Salame’s plea and the pending counts.
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Hearing focus: admissibility of testimony about Ryan Salame’s plea agreement
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Bond faces charges tied to alleged unlawful campaign contributions totaling $400,000.
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Court filings request testimony from Bond and former prosecutor Danielle Sassoon; first image in schema is the filing exhibit image.
Meta description: Michelle Bond evidentiary hearing focuses on Ryan Salame plea agreement and alleged $400,000 campaign contributions — read the latest court updates now.
What is Michelle Bond’s evidentiary hearing about?
The evidentiary hearing examines whether Michelle Bond may testify about discussions and promises linked to Ryan Salame’s plea agreement, which prosecutors say relates to alleged campaign finance violations. The court will decide relevance and admissibility of testimony, including potential testimony from a former prosecutor.
How does Ryan Salame’s plea agreement affect Bond’s case?
Salame’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing to seven-and-a-half years in prison are central to Bond’s charges. Prosecutors allege Salame directed roughly $400,000 tied to FTX to Bond’s campaign. Bond’s defense argues the state of mind of both parties when entering the plea is directly relevant.
Bond was indicted in August 2024 on multiple counts, including conspiracy to cause unlawful campaign contributions and causing and accepting excessive campaign contributions. She pleaded not guilty and is contesting the government’s attempt to limit her testimony.
Sunday filing by Michelle Bond’s lawyers. Source: Courtlistener
Why did prosecutors seek to block Bond’s testimony?
Prosecutors argued Bond’s testimony is unlikely to offer relevant facts to the plea agreement dispute and could be redundant. The government asked Bond’s team to present documentary evidence or testimony tying any statements directly to the plea negotiations.
Bond’s attorneys counter that precluding her from testifying would unfairly limit facts about inducements or promises made to Salame, which they say are material to both parties’ motives and to the charges now at issue.
When will the hearing occur and who may testify?
The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday and will mark Bond’s first court appearance in months for this matter. Her lawyers have requested testimony from Bond herself and from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to address any promises or inducements tied to Salame’s guilty plea.
Sassoon was lead prosecutor in the government’s case against former FTX CEO Sam Bankman‑Fried and other executives, including Salame. She resigned in February after the Justice Department reassigned her; her potential testimony would address the plea negotiation context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Michelle Bond’s testimony overturn Ryan Salame’s plea agreement?
Unlikely: Salame has already pleaded guilty and been sentenced. The hearing will determine what Bond may testify to; it could affect related proceedings but is not expected to vacate Salame’s plea by itself.
What charges does Michelle Bond face?
Bond faces counts including conspiracy to cause unlawful campaign contributions, causing and accepting excessive contributions, and related conduit and corporate contribution violations; she pleaded not guilty in August 2024.
Will former prosecutor Danielle Sassoon be compelled to testify?
The court will decide. Bond’s lawyers requested Sassoon’s testimony about any inducements to Salame; prosecutors have not opposed the motion but asked for documentary evidence or corroborating testimony.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing purpose: Determine admissibility of testimony regarding Salame’s plea agreement.
- Central allegation: Prosecutors allege approximately $400,000 in FTX-linked funds were directed to Bond’s campaign.
- Potential witnesses: Michelle Bond and former AUSA Danielle Sassoon have been requested to testify; documentary evidence has been requested by the government.
Conclusion
The evidentiary hearing will test whether testimony about Ryan Salame’s plea agreement is relevant to Michelle Bond’s campaign finance charges and whether any prosecutorial promises influence the case record. Expect narrow, document‑driven rulings that could shape how related FTX prosecutions address plea negotiations.
