Opening statements in the criminal trial of Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, the former COO of the defunct blood-testing company Theranos, are scheduled to begin Tuesday morning after a series of setbacks.
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Last week, opening statements were delayed when the judge abruptly canceled the day's proceedings due to a second-hand COVID-19 exposure. The exposed person tested negative for coronavirus, but the court opted to follow Centers for Disease Control guidance to ensure maximum safety.
Balwani, the business partner and ex-boyfriend of Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes, is charged with criminal wire fraud and conspiracy in marketing the company's malfunctioning blood-testing technology to investors, doctors and patients.
Balwani faces nearly identical charges to Holmes, who was convicted on four of the eleven fraud charges in January. She was found guilty of defrauding investors of nearly $145 million. During her trial, Holmes testified that Balwani controlled and sexually abused her.
Balwani's trial will cover familiar ground to Holmes', even bringing in the same witnesses to make repeat appearances, and is estimated to last 13 weeks.
Holmes is set to be sentenced in September.
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