BREAKING: Mobster Anthony Ruggiero Jr. has been denied bail in connection with an alleged scheme involving rigged poker games linked to NBA figures, including Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones. A judge ruled against his request for a $5 million bond during a hearing in Brooklyn federal court amid serious concerns over witness tampering.
Ruggiero, 53, remains in custody as authorities fear he could threaten witnesses if released. Federal prosecutors detailed past threats in court, including a chilling incident where Ruggiero allegedly mimicked a gun with his hand while threatening a witness. Judge Joseph Marutollo sided with prosecutors, declaring Ruggiero a significant risk to the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
During the bail hearing, Ruggiero’s lawyer, James Froccaro, argued for his release, citing other alleged mobsters involved in the scheme who had been granted bail. However, the judge’s decision reflects the gravity of Ruggiero’s past and the serious nature of the accusations against him.
“He made his hand in the shape of a gun and said, ‘You know how we take care of rats — up close and personal,'” Judge Marutollo recounted from a previous case involving Ruggiero.
The Justice Department claims Ruggiero was part of a sophisticated operation rigging poker games at a Greenwich Village apartment, one of two Manhattan locations tied to four of the city’s most powerful crime families, including the Gambinos. The scheme reportedly attracted high-stakes players, leveraging connections to NBA figures to lure them in.
Ruggiero is the son of Angelo Ruggiero Sr., a reputed member of the Gambino crime family known for his association with infamous mob boss John Gotti. Ruggiero Jr. has a history of violence, including a past conviction for threatening a witness while incarcerated.
As this story develops, the implications for the NBA and its associations with organized crime are significant. Authorities are continuing their investigations, and fans are left to wonder how deep these connections run within the sports world.
The latest revelations have raised questions about the integrity of professional sports and the potential influence of organized crime in high-stakes games. This unfolding story is not only a legal battle but also a cultural examination of sports and crime in America.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge regarding the ongoing investigation and the legal proceedings surrounding Ruggiero and his alleged criminal activities.
