Several suspects in the Mafia-linked illegal gambling rings involving NBA figures have been released on bail.
Zhen “Scruli” Hu is out on a $500,000 bond. Law enforcement accused him of rigging high-stakes poker games in New York that cost victims about $7m. Prosecutors say NBA figures helped lure unsuspecting players, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who was arrested for allegedly doing so.
three defendants facing charges in both the poker game and NBA betting ring indictments
Shane “Sugar” Henna, believed to be the supplier of cheating technology used in the scam, such as x-ray tables and spy glasses, secured a $250,000 bond. The Nevada resident is one of three defendants facing charges in both the poker game and NBA betting ring indictments.
While several more of the 34 defendants arrested last month also secured their release, a couple weren’t so lucky. Angelo Ruggiero Jr.’s bail request was denied despite offering a $5m bond as he has a history of witness tampering.
Thomas “Juice” Gelardo, an alleged associate of the Bonanno crime family, was said to be the supervisor of the poker game. The court denied bail as he had more than $700,000 to his name without being able to demonstrate any form of legitimate employment. Law enforcement found $220,000 in cash at his residence, and he also had a $400,000 vehicle in his possession.
