FTX CEO John J. Ray III refutes predecessor Sam Bankman-Fried's claim that customers didn't lose money in the exchange's collapse, stating that the estate's recovery doesn't negate the criminal behavior. Ray reveals that the exchange was nearly empty when he took over, with only 105 bitcoins left compared to the 100,000 customers were entitled to. Despite efforts to refund customers, many remain dissatisfied with the valuation of their funds, and victim impact statements highlight the emotional and financial toll of the collapse. Bankman-Fried is set to be sentenced on March 28.
John Ray, a flamboyant lawyer representing the families of victims in the Gilgo Beach serial-killing case, has become a magnet for information and a central figure in the investigation. During a recent news conference, Ray announced claims from witnesses connecting more bodies to the prime suspect, Rex Heuermann. The announcement blindsided the Gilgo Beach Task Force, who criticized Ray for not providing advance notice. Despite the criticism, the Suffolk County police chief, Rodney Harrison, has added two detectives to field Ray's leads and other tips. Ray's claims include allegations of sex parties and shocking violence involving Heuermann. The district attorney's office will speak with Ray's witnesses, but emphasized that attorneys representing victims or their families should not be part of the investigation due to conflicts of interest.
