Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in mob-linked rigged poker scheme By Beatriz
2 min read
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Chauncey Ele is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and electronic fraud in a rigged poker game scheme involving mafia families.
The complaint points out that the former shipowner acted as an attraction to take rich victims to rigged matches in Manhattan, Las Vegas,
After the custody hearing, the judge released Billups on a US$5 million bond guaranteed by his residence in Colorado and co-signed by his daughter Ele surrendered his passport and can only travel in authorized states.
Scheme involved three mafia families
The operation had protection from the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno families. Parte of the profits were passed on to criminal organizations.
Intercepted messages show organizers celebrating when victims lost large amounts of money out of admiration for the former player. In October 2020, Billups reportedly received a direct transfer of US$50,000 after a match.
Technology used in fraud
The games used sophisticated resources to guarantee an advantage to the organizers.
- Hidden cameras in chip trays
- Tampered card shuffling machines
- Glasses with special lenses for reading markings
- X-ray equipment built into tables
These devices made it possible to identify opponents’ cards in real time.
Others involved in basketball
Damon Jones, a former player and assistant coach, was also indicted in the same poker scheme. Ele responds in another case with the point guard Terry Rozier, from Miami Heat, for using privileged information in NBA betting.
Billups’s trajectory in the NBA
Billups was champion and MVP of the 2004 Finais for Detroit Pistons. Draftado third for Boston Celtics in 1997, played for 17 seasons and accumulated around $106 million in salary.
After retirement, he worked as a commentator before becoming a coach. Assumiu commanded the Trail Blazers in 2021 and renewed his contract this year.
Current situation in the league
Portland placed Billups on unpaid leave immediately after arrest. Assistant Tiago Splitter temporarily assumed technical command of the team.
All 31 defendants in the case return to court on March 4, 2026. The judge expects the trial to begin in September 2026.
Bail details and restrictions
The residence of Billups in Denver serves as a real guarantee of payment. The daughter Cydney signed as joint guarantor.
He remains prohibited from leaving the country and requires judicial authorization for interstate travel outside a pre-determined route.
