Former Theranos president and chief operating officer, Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani, has been denied a request to delay his prison term until his appeal is decided. Balwani was convicted of 12 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy for making false statements to investors and patients about the company’s fingerstick blood-testing technology.[0] The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit rejected the request, stating that Balwani had not raised a “substantial question” of law or fact that is “fairly debatable” and that any errors in the trial were not likely to result in reversal or a shorter prison sentence than the time it takes for the appeal to play out.[0] After the trial, Balwani was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Edward Davila to serve a term of 12 years and 9 months in prison.[0] Davila promised a ruling on a similar motion by Balwani’s former colleague, Elizabeth Holmes, in April. If the motion is denied, Holmes can also seek an emergency order from the 9th Circuit to delay her surrender date while the higher court decides if bail is appropriate.[0]
0. “Appeals court rejects bid by convicted Theranos exec Balwani to delay prison” Palo Alto Online, 7 Apr. 2023, https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/04/07/appeals-court-rejects-bid-by-convicted-theranos-exec-balwani-to-delay-prison