As the imposing New York courthouse casts its shadow, a flurry of activity swirls around the upcoming sentencing of Sam Bankman-Fried, the fallen king of FTX. In a last-ditch effort for leniency, Bankman-Fried's legal team has submitted a chorus of support letters, painting a picture of a benevolent mastermind.

Friends, Families, and a Chorus of "Kindness"

The letters paint a stark contrast to the charges Bankman-Fried faces. Friends from MIT and families with autistic children depict him as a "kind" and "wonderful person." One parent whose life savings vanished on FTX even believes recovered funds lessen the severity of the crime. Another, with an autistic son, believes Bankman-Fried lacked malicious intent.

Facing the Devastation

These pleas, however, are countered by the raw pain of FTX victims. Court filings reveal victim impact statements from those whose lives were shattered by the exchange's collapse. One depositor describes a destroyed life, another decries the callous disregard for their financial security.

A Sentence Yet to Be Written

Bankman-Fried faces a potential century behind bars, but the actual sentence rests in the hands of Judge Kaplan. Experts believe Judge Kaplan, known for his toughness, won't impose a life sentence. However, two decades in prison seem likely, a stark reality compared to the leniency Bankman-Fried's supporters are pleading for.

Cryptonews will be reporting live from the courtroom on March 28th, bringing you the verdict in this saga of crypto ambition and alleged fraud.