- by theguardian
- 21 Sep 2023
The trial of Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, the former romantic and business partner of Elizabeth Holmes, was reportedly delayed on Wednesday after a possible Covid-19 exposure forced a judge to send a full courtroom home.
Wednesday was meant to be the day that Balwani finally has his first chance to defend himself against charges that he was Holmes' accomplice in a Silicon Valley scam that brought down the blood-testing startup Theranos.
Jury selection began in the case last week, and prosecutors were set to begin opening arguments on Wednesday. But several news outlets reported that Judge Edward Davila sent everyone home "out of an abundance of caution", because someone in the courtroom had potentially been exposed to Covid-19.
It was not immediately clear when the court would reconvene.
Balwani's trial is taking place in the courtroom where a jury found Holmes guilty of investor fraud and conspiracy in January. She was acquitted on other counts accusing her of duping patients who relied on Theranos' flawed blood tests.
Balwani, 57, has denied the charges.
Holmes, 38, is free on $500,000 bail while awaiting her sentencing in September. That has stirred speculation that she might agree to testify against Balwani if prosecutors agree to recommend leniency in exchange for her cooperation. She is facing up to 20 years in prison.
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