Brooklyn, NY – In a shocking turn of events, six current and former National Basketball Association players, along with four other individuals, have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a widespread sports betting and money laundering scheme.
The indictment, unsealed earlier today at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, names Eric Earnest, also known as “Spook,” Marves Fairley, also known as “Vez,” “Vezino,” and “Vezino Locks”, Shane Hennen, also known as “Sugar,” Damon Jones, also known as “D Jones,” and “Dee Jones,” Deniro Laster, also known as “Niro,” “Payso,” and “Peso,” and Terry Rozier, also known as “Scary Terry” and “Chum,” as defendants.
According to the indictment, between December 2022 and March, the defendants allegedly used inside information from National Basketball Association players and coaches to profit from illegal betting activity. The scheme involved using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks.
“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit. Insider betting schemes erode the integrity of American sports, and this Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.”
The defendants, who are located across the country, will be arraigned at a future date in the Eastern District of New York. Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kash Patel, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the defendants have been engaging in a sophisticated scheme to use inside information to their advantage. The alleged use of private locker room and medical information to cheat legitimate sportsbooks is a serious offense and a threat to the integrity of American sports.
The indictment sets forth the following charges: wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The defendants will face severe consequences for their alleged actions, including prison time and fines.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI, NYPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Terry Rozier, Eric Earnest, Marves Fairley, Shane Hennen, Damon Jones, and Deniro Laster are the defendant/respondents in this case.
Defendant Terry Rozier’s real full name is Terry Marvin Rozier III. Defendant Eric Earnest’s real full name is Eric Earnest. Defendant Marves Fairley’s real full name is Marves Fairley. Defendant Shane Hennen’s real full name is Shane Hennen. Defendant Damon Jones’ real full name is Damon Jones. Defendant Deniro Laster’s real full name is Deniro Laster.
The exact criminal charges against the defendants are wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
The city and state where the crime took place is Brooklyn, New York.
The exact date of the crime is between December 2022 and March.
The sentence or outcome for the defendants is currently pending arraignment.
No dollar amounts were mentioned in the source.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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