The Ripple Vs SEC lawsuit has been going on for two years now and the final ruling could be out anytime now. A significant development in the case occurred with the release of the Hinman Documents, which contain internal communications within the SEC concerning a speech given by former SEC Director William Hinman. Deaton has emphasized that these documents have a crucial impact on the lawsuit against Ripple executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen.
Lack of Evidence and Hinman Docs Challenge SEC’s Case
According to attorney John Deaton of Crypto Law, the SEC lacks evidence to support its case against Ripple executives Chris Larsen and Brad Garlinghouse. In December 2020, the SEC accused Garlinghouse, Larsen, and Ripple of illegally offering XRP as an unregistered security, claiming that the executives were reckless in their actions.
During a recent interview, attorney John Deaton stated that the disclosure of the Hinman Documents has made it impossible for the regulatory agency to argue that Garlinghouse and Larsen were reckless.
Hinman Documents’ Impact on the Case Against Ripple Executives
According to attorney Deaton, the release of Hinman’s documents has a huge impact on the SEC’s case against Garlinghouse and Larsen. Deaton argues that the SEC will need to prove to a jury that the executives acted recklessly in distributing XRP. He also questions how the SEC plans to substantiate its case when top officials expressed concerns about the potential confusion caused by Hinman’s speech.
Deaton further suggests that the Hinman documents could be relevant if the jury allows Ripple to argue that the executives did not have sufficient notice about the applicable laws.
SEC Likely to Lose the Lawsuit Against Ripple, But Why?
Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton has reiterated his belief that the SEC will not succeed in its case against Ripple executives. According to Deaton, it is highly unlikely that a reasonable jury would find Chris Larsen and Brad Garlinghouse guilty based on the SEC’s charges. He accuses the SEC of targeting Ripple’s executives unjustly, referring to the agency as a bully. Deaton argues that since the SEC struggled to determine XRP’s security status in 2018, Larsen and Garlinghouse cannot be deemed reckless for their actions in 2013.
Additionally, other notable figures within the XRP community, such as Mr. Huber, have also expressed the opinion that the SEC will lose the case against Ripple executives.
