Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier continues to step up its legal defense ahead of a possible trial in Federal sports betting case. A little over two weeks after he declared his innocenceRozier is now seeking a complete dismissal of the charges against him.
Rozier was arraigned on two charges – conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering – but his lawyer Jim Trusty argues the federal government crossed the line with those charges. Trusty said the government did not clearly explain how Rozier allegedly committed wire fraud in the indictment and, in turn, filed a motion to dismiss the case.
Trusty cited a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that laid out the basis for the wire fraud charge. That is, the purpose of the scheme must be to deprive the victim (in this case, the bookmaker) of money or property. The money laundering charge is dependent on the wire fraud charge and will thus be dismissed if the latter is dismissed.
“The government said the case involved “insider information.” ratesand “rigging” professional basketball games,” Trusty said in a public legal document. “But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: Some bettors violated the terms of use of certain sportsbooks.”
Rozier was involved in a case involving his alleged involvement in a gambling business that involved selling inside information to players. Rozier is accused of telling De'Niro associate Luster that he would be taking an early retirement in March 2023 during his time with the team. Charlotte Hornets. According to the indictment, Luster then sold the information to gamblers, who then distributed it through a bookmaking syndicate.
“The indictment does not allege that Mr. Rozier ever placed a bet, whether by himself or through a proxy, on any NBA “Gaming,” Trusty said. “Nor does he allege that he knew Luster intended to sell the information to others, or that using it to place bets would violate bookmaker rules.”
The prosecution must respond by February 2. The next procedural hearing for the more than 30 defendants in the gambling case is scheduled for March 4, and Judge Ramon Reyes said at a previous hearing that he intended to start the trial by September.
Rozier was arrested in October and suspended from office. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, former NBA player Damon Jones and more than 30 others. Billups is accused of participating in a separate gambling scheme linked to rigged poker games run by organized crime. Jones involved in both cases. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
