A mobster tied to a high-stakes NBA gambling scandal was denied bail Tuesday over fears he could tamper with witnesses.
Anthony Ruggiero Jr., 53, asked for a $5 million bond backed by family and friends during a hearing in Brooklyn federal court, but Judge Joseph Marutollo rejected it, siding with federal prosecutors.
Prosecutors warned that Ruggiero could interfere with witnesses if released. In a chilling example, the judge cited a previous case where Ruggiero allegedly threatened a witness by making a gun shape with his hand and saying, “You know how we take care of rats — up close and personal.”
Ruggiero’s attorney argued he should be released because other alleged mobsters in the scheme were granted bail, despite facing serious charges.
The Justice Department says Ruggiero, the son of deceased Gambino crime family member Angelo Ruggiero Sr., was involved in a plot to rig poker games in a Greenwich Village apartment. The townhouse was reportedly one of two Manhattan locations where top crime families allegedly fixed high-stakes games.
The scheme allegedly used NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, now Portland Trail Blazers head coach, and former player Damon Jones to attract wealthy gamblers.
Federal prosecutors also highlighted Ruggiero’s violent history. While still in prison, he allegedly threatened a fellow inmate, again using a hand-gun gesture and warning, “You know how we take care of rats.”
Ruggiero’s father, Angelo Sr., was infamous as John Gotti’s right-hand man and earned the nickname “Quack Quack” for frequently discussing mob business over the phone. Now, the younger Ruggiero faces serious scrutiny as prosecutors probe the alleged mob-linked NBA gambling operation.
Fox News Digital reached out to Ruggiero’s lawyer for comment.
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