As the sentencing of Sam Bankman-Fried draws near, I am vividly reminded of what it felt like when I once sat in that very same seat, awaiting a federal judge to determine my fate. The prosecutor called for seven years imprisonment—of a possible 23—for my case, which involved a $3 million wire fraud and federal tax charges—a drop in the bucket compared with SBF’s multibillion-dollar fraud and maximum possible penalty of 110 years.
However, loss amounts aside, one major difference sets apart my case from Sam Bankman-Fried’s: I accepted responsibility. I did something wrong. I knew I did something wrong. And I chose a path of humility. Personal factors in my life contributed to a downward departure at my sentencing, but none were more impactful than holding myself accountable—clearly, something SBF hasn’t learned. Humility and accountability earned me a three-year sentence, of which I only served a few months in a federal minimum-security camp. SBF stands no chance of such mercy.
In fact, his flamboyant arrogance, and perhaps naivety, is only adding fuel to the fire as Bankman-Fried heads into the most important court hearing of his life. As I sat in the courtroom awaiting my sentence, the weight of my actions bore down on me like a heavy shroud. Guilt, fear, and anxiety coursed through me as I sat, dry-mouthed and trembling, waiting for the judge to utter the consequences of my actions. I’m not sure SBF feels the same way. He carries himself like he’s entitled, almost like he’s some kind of victim, a position all too common in these cases. The judge will see right through it.
What lies ahead for him is anything but easy. The consequences of white-collar crimes are essentially a life sentence. Even if SBF somehow manages to avoid significant prison time, he will most certainly have an astronomical restitution amount, which will never be repaid. He will never own a home or have a retirement account ,and in some states, he’ll never vote. He will forever be scrutinized by the federal government.
SBF will never work in his industry again. It’s unlikely he’ll ever hold an officer position unless it’s within his own company, which, if he manages to build, would have a lien placed against it by the government, particularly if it has tangible assets. While most states no longer disqualify individuals with a conviction from obtaining occupational licenses, such as hairstyling, depending on the state he lives in he may have to wait years to pursue one.
In the aftermath of my sentencing, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection and redemption. I have sought to atone for my mistakes, working tirelessly to make amends. I choose to use my experiences to help others, to teach them lessons and skills to help them rebuild their lives. While the road to redemption is fraught with challenges, I have found solace in the knowledge that every step forward brings me closer to reclaiming my integrity and rebuilding trust.
To Sam, who stands on the precipice of his own demise, I offer the following:
—First and foremost, take ownership of your actions. Stop trying to deflect and painting yourself as a victim. Accepting full responsibility is the first step toward redemption. Be honest with yourself and your victims about the choices you’ve made and the harm they’ve caused.
—Lean on your support system. Surround yourself with friends and family who will stand by you through this journey. Their support will provide you with the strength and courage you need to weather the upcoming storm.
—Stay focused on the future. While the present may seem bleak, remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth. Use this time to reflect on your values and priorities, and consider how you can live a more meaningful and purposeful life.
—Never lose hope. No matter how dire the circumstances may seem, remember that redemption is always within reach. Stay resilient and trust that with time and effort, you can emerge from this experience stronger and wiser than before.
In the end, it’s not the mistakes we make that define us, but rather how we choose to respond to them. Embrace this opportunity for growth and transformation, and you will find that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Steve Russo, a former CIO, is an operations executive and consultant who helps companies optimize people development and operational efficiencies. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.
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