Poker Writer
A federal judge has revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a childhood friend of Terry Rozier and co-defendant in the NBA gambling case, for violating the conditions of his bond. Laster attempted to intimidate witnesses by posting threatening rat emojis on Instagram.
He also contacted co-defendants and other potential witnesses. His behavior was described as “utterly egregious” by U.S. Attorney David Berman.
Laster’s defense attorney, Evan Corcoran, claimed that Laster did not know he could not contact others indicted alongside him. But Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall said the terms were very clear and in her mind, Laster went out of his way to violate the terms of his bond.
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The Attempted Defense of the Rat Emojis
The defense attempted to soften the rat emojis by calling them “rat cartoons” to make them sound more whimsical than threatening. But in criminal parlance, a rat refers to an individual who turns state’s evidence, or testifies on behalf of the prosecution.
A tense debate ensued over the exact meaning of the rat emojis, with Laster’s defense claiming they did not mean much. Judge Hall dismissed that argument, however.
The defense also argued that the bond should not be revoked because that often only happens after a re-arrest. That hasn’t applied to Laster. But Judge Hall was again not having it, accusing the defense of “mansplaining” to her.
The ongoing stream of guilty pleas from the 30+ defendants in the case has seemed to indicate a dire situation for those whose cases remain open. Shane Hennen, one of the key figures in the casino and poker cheating schemes, pleaded guilty recently.
After more than half of the indicted individuals pleaded guilty, speculation has surrounded the possibility that some are testifying against the alleged co-conspirators.
Rozier and Laster Both in Trouble
This news comes shortly after the defense of Terry Rozier said he had no knowledge of illegal bets. They contended that text messages with Laster proved it.
Rozier and Laster had friendship roots through childhood, growing up in northern Ohio. The two have maintained a relationship as Rozier played in the NBA. Now, the relationship has been tarnished by these allegations and issues with the court.
