Federal prosecutors have revealed shocking evidence of allegedly rigged card games involving high-stakes poker games, including the use of a rigged shuffling machine and an X-ray table. The case involves 31 individuals, including NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and alleged mafia members. The conspiracy is said to have defrauded victims of at least $7 million.
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The rigged card-shuffling machine, called the DeckMate 2, contained cameras that scanned cards to give an unfair advantage to the conspirators. Additionally, an X-ray poker table was allegedly used to read cards from a face-down position. Members of the scheme were accused of using special lenses or glasses to read certain cards from behind. These tactics were part of a complex operation to cheat players in high-stakes poker games.
Chauncey Billups, a renowned NBA player turned coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, was allegedly involved as a “face card” to attract unsuspecting players to the rigged games. Another former NBA player, Damon Jones, was also named as a defendant in the case. Text messages presented in court detailed concerns about Billups and another individual winning too many hands during a game in Las Vegas.
The group of defendants is believed to have cheated players out of large sums of money through this sophisticated cheating scheme. Billups has been charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Despite the allegations, his attorney has vehemently denied any wrongdoing on Billups’ behalf, emphasizing that he would not jeopardize his reputation for the sake of illegal activities.
Prosecutors are pushing for a significant bail package for Billups due to his financial resources amassed from his successful career in basketball and coaching. In the wake of these serious allegations, Billups has been put on leave by the Trail Blazers, with assistant coach Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach. Damon Jones is set to appear in court for arraignment, while Billups’ arraignment date is pending.
The case also involves other individuals linked to the mafia and illicit gambling activities. Reputed mobster Angelo Ruggiero Jr., son of a notorious gangster, was denied bail due to prior threats against a witness. Curtis Meeks, accused of supplying the cheating technology for the games, pleaded not guilty and posted bail.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the shocking details of this elaborate poker cheating conspiracy continue to emerge. The involvement of high-profile sports figures like Chauncey Billups underscores the far-reaching implications of such criminal activities. The combination of advanced technology and organized crime elements in the operation highlights the complexities of investigating and prosecuting such cases.
The impact of the alleged fraud, which reportedly resulted in millions of dollars being swindled from unsuspecting victims, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging in illicit gambling schemes. The legal consequences facing the accused individuals, including potential prison time and financial penalties, underscore the seriousness of these criminal charges. The public awaits further developments in this ongoing case to uncover the full extent of the illegal activities and bring those responsible to justice.