Organized Crime and Illegal Gambling

Former NBA player and current coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty to charges in a purported mafia-linked illegal poker scheme and was released on a $5 million bond secured by his family's Colorado home with conditions including surrendering his passport, a ban on gambling, no contact with co-defendants or alleged victims, and travel limited to seven jurisdictions (including Oregon, New York and Washington, D.C.). Prosecutors allege Billups was used as a "face card" to lure victims — citing messages that someone was "star struck" and "wanted Chauncey to have his money" — and say the games were rigged using altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras in chip trays, special sunglasses and X‑ray-equipped tables; ex-NBA player Damon Jones is identified as a co-defendant and the next court date is March 4.