Evidence piles up against ex-Knick Chauncey Billups in $9.5M poker fraud case

Retired NBA star and suspended Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups appeared before Judge Ramon Reyes in Brooklyn federal court on Thursday. Billups is facing wire fraud and money-laundering charges for his alleged role as a "face card" used to lure victims into rigged poker games organized by mob associates. Prosecutors allege the scheme used X-ray machines, marked cards, and hidden cameras to cheat players out of $9.5 million across multiple cities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Sherman informed the court that the government has amassed over 250 hours of audio and video recordings, along with extensive digital and financial records. While Billups has maintained a not-guilty plea since November, prosecutors indicated they are engaged in "substantial negotiations" that could lead to plea deals for several of the 30 co-defendants before the scheduled November 2 trial date.

Summary by Dispatch AI — read the full story at Brooklyn Eagle — Heights Press.