Crypto Prosecutor Takes Center Stage: Danielle Sassoon’s Rise to Lead Manhattan’s US Attorney’s Office

Danielle Sassoon, a key player in the high-profile prosecution of Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), has ascended to an influential role. On Monday, the White House announced that Sassoon has been appointed interim head of the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), a jurisdiction renowned for tackling some of the nation’s most complex financial and crypto-related cases.

Sassoon made her mark as one of the lead prosecutors in the federal case against SBF, the co-founder of FTX, a crypto exchange that collapsed under the weight of fraud and conspiracy. The fallout led to SBF’s conviction on seven charges and a 25-year prison sentence, though he has filed an appeal. During the trial, Sassoon grilled star witnesses like Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research, who herself received a two-year sentence for her role in the FTX scandal.

A Conservative Legal Star with a Stellar Resume

Sassoon’s resume is nothing short of extraordinary. A graduate of Harvard and Yale Law School, she clerked for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, one of the most conservative voices on the US Supreme Court. Her legal prowess earned her a spot at the Southern District, where she prosecuted crypto figures like Bankman-Fried and his associates, including Ryan Salame, sentenced to over seven years in prison.

Sassoon’s conservative leanings have also been highlighted by her association with The Federalist Society, a prominent legal organization. Her legal philosophy contrasts with her predecessor, Damian Williams, a Democrat who previously headed the SDNY.

A New Chapter Amid Crypto Regulation Challenges

Sassoon’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the US continues grappling with the regulation of cryptocurrencies and the prosecution of high-profile figures in the space. Notably, she is among the team prosecuting Do Kwon, the architect behind the TerraUSD collapse.

BitGalactic’s analysis suggests that Sassoon’s rise underscores the increasing involvement of top legal minds in dismantling crypto fraud and restoring trust in the digital asset space. Her leadership could signal tougher oversight of financial crimes as Manhattan’s SDNY becomes even more central to crypto-related cases.

While Sassoon awaits confirmation of Jay Clayton, Trump’s nominee for permanent US Attorney, her tenure will likely shape the Southern District’s approach to crypto regulation and enforcement.

Updated Jan. 22, 2024: The Southern District has confirmed Sassoon’s interim appointment.