The latest developments in the federal trial involving Chauncey Billups unfolded this week in a Brooklyn courtroom, where the former NBA star and current Portland Trail Blazers head coach continues to fight charges tied to an alleged rigged poker scheme.
Billups previously entered a not guilty plea to federal counts of money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy – charges that each carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
During recent proceedings at the United States Courthouse in Brooklyn, U.S. District Judge Ramon E. Reyes addressed procedural matters.
Reyes also issued a protective order covering the case’s extensive evidence, which prosecutors say includes roughly a terabyte of financial records, surveillance images, and electronic data.
The judge indicated hopes that a trial could begin as early as September, though the complex case involving 31 defendants may take years to fully resolve. All defendants are scheduled to return for a status hearing after reviewing the government’s evidence.
Billups was allegedly a front for a rigged poker operation
Prosecutors allege the Trail Blazers coach served as a recognizable “face card” in a network of high-stakes poker games held between 2019 and 2023, claiming his celebrity status helped attract wealthy participants to contests authorities say were secretly rigged.
According to the indictment, Billups is linked to two games – one in April 2019 and another in October 2020 in Las Vegas.
Federal investigators contend the games were organized by Robert Stroud, a Kentucky man prosecutors say has ties to the Gambino crime family and recruited athletes and celebrities to lure victims, allegedly sharing proceeds from the operation. Stroud has also pleaded not guilty.
Billups, who sat quietly through the multi-hour hearing alongside dozens of co-defendants, spoke only to confirm his plea. His attorney, Marc Mukasey, declined public comment following court appearances.
This trial will shape Billups’ career for years to come
The former NBA Finals MVP was one of only two defendants released on bail, posting a $5 million bond – the largest in the case.
Legal analysts cited his financial means and public profile, along with relatively lenient release conditions, as factors behind the amount.
Once celebrated for his leadership on the court and later on the sidelines, Billups now faces a prolonged legal battle that could shape both his coaching future and his legacy in professional basketball.
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