Sam Bankman-Fried: From Victimville to “Vacation” in a Low-Security Jail

Oh, what a journey it’s been for Sam Bankman-Fried! After nearly two weeks in the infamous “Victimville” (aka Victorville, California), the FTX co-founder and former CEO has been relocated to a low-security prison in California. How thrilling! 🙄

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ inmate registry (because we’re all so interested in his whereabouts), Bankman-Fried has now been moved to the Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island in Los Angeles. It’s a bit of a scenic three-hour drive from his previous stomping grounds, but hey, at least this new place isn’t nicknamed after a massacre, right? 💅

Now, Terminal Island isn’t just some vacation retreat—oh no! It has housed some pretty “notable” inmates in the past. Ever heard of Mouli Cohen, the music entrepreneur, or Anthony Elgindy, the former stockbroker? Both were convicted of fraud (how cute) and other charming charges. So, at least Sam’s in good company. 🏖️

And get this, Terminal Island offers a LAW LIBRARY (I know, wild) where inmates can access legal resources—if they happen to have $360 a month to spend from their commissary account. Because who wouldn’t want to blow all their money on books when they’re in the clink? But wait, there’s more! The prison also offers wellness and social programs (as if that wasn’t enough) and vocational courses like welding, plumbing, and, wait for it… baking. Because when you’re serving time for defrauding people out of billions, nothing says “rehabilitation” like making cupcakes. 🍰

Apparently, Sam’s lawyer had been pushing for this move, citing his lack of a prior criminal record and his autism as the reasons. How considerate. 🤷‍♀️ The Federal Bureau of Prisons, however, is being a bit tight-lipped on the exact reasons behind the decision to move him. Keeping us all in suspense, I guess.

What Was “Victimville” Really Like?

For those who aren’t familiar, Bankman-Fried spent nearly two weeks in the *charming* medium-security facility in Victorville. It’s a place where “friendly” inmates are a rare sight, and fighting is practically a spectator sport. Stabbings are pretty much part of the daily grind. 🥴

Not convinced? In January 2023, three inmates were found guilty of second-degree murder for, you know, beating another inmate to death. Lovely. Oh, and let’s not forget the attempted murder of a warden in 2017. Plus, guards got a little too up-close and personal with inmates in separate incidents. Charming. 🙄

Sam Bankman-Fried’s 25-year sentence came after he was convicted of seven counts of fraud and conspiracy. His release date? December 14, 2044—mark your calendars! 📅 But hey, don’t worry—his parents are reportedly working their hardest to get him a pardon from none other than President Donald Trump. After all, Trump did pardon Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, so why not add Sam to the list of white-collar criminals looking for a get-out-of-jail-free card? 🏃‍♂️

2025-04-24 12:00

What Was “Victimville” Really Like?

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