Overview
- Prosecutors persuaded Judge Joseph Marutollo to reject a $5 million bond, arguing release posed a serious risk of obstruction and witness intimidation.
- Court filings recount that Anthony Ruggiero Jr., while previously incarcerated, threatened a cooperator with a gun-hand gesture and a remark about taking care of “rats.”
- Operation Royal Flush charges describe rigged high-stakes poker games using cheating technology at a Greenwich Village townhouse associated with organized-crime crews.
- Prosecutors allege NBA figures, including Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones, were used as “face cards” to draw high rollers to the manipulated games.
- In a related hearing, defendant Curtis Meeks was arraigned and remains free on a $250,000 bond with any gambling subject to Pretrial Services approval, with many defendants due back in court Nov. 24.