Overview
- Federal Judge Joseph Marutollo rejected a family-backed bond offer after prosecutors warned Ruggiero would intimidate witnesses if released.
- Court records describe a prior incident in which Ruggiero made a gun gesture at a cooperator and threatened to kill him.
- Prosecutors allege mob-backed teams used advanced cheating technology to fix high-stakes poker games, including at 80 Washington Place in Manhattan.
- Filings say NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones were used as “face cards” to draw high rollers to the rigged games.
- In related proceedings, defendant Curtis Meeks was arraigned and remains free on a $250,000 bond with restricted gambling, while Jones is due Nov. 6 and broader case hearings are set for Nov. 24.