Federal prosecutors want a friend and codefendant of former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier jailed pending trial after accusing him of witness intimidation and repeated bond violations.
Key Takeaways
- Deniro Laster is now accused of contacting codefendants, using rat emojis, and intimidating witnesses.
- Prosecutors asked a judge to revoke his bond.
- Laster is accused of helping facilitate the alleged betting scheme.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York accused Deniro Laster of “repeatedly and flagrantly" violating the conditions of his bond, according to ESPN, citing a court filing. Prosecutors asked a judge Tuesday to revoke Laster’s bond and put him in custody until the trial.
"Revocation of Deniro Laster's bail is the only means of ensuring that he will comply with the Court's orders, refrain from further criminal conduct, preserve the integrity of these proceedings, and protect witnesses or perceived witnesses," the U.S. Attorney's Office wrote in the filing.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Bond violation accusations
According to prosecutors, Laster contacted codefendants and posted rat emojis on perceived witnesses' Instagram accounts, violating the conditions of his release. He's also accused of intimidating witnesses by posting on Instagram about owning a gun collection and typically carrying a firearm.
Rozier and Laster were arrested in October 2025 on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering as part of an FBI dismantling of a widespread gambling scheme. Rozier also faces a bribery charge.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to stand trial in February 2027.
Betting scheme
Laster allegedly acted as the middleman between Rozier and fellow codefendant Marves Fairley, a sports bettor who prosecutors say paid the two men $100,000 to manipulate Rozier's performance in a March 2023 game while he was with the Charlotte Hornets.
Rozier is accused of informing Laster, whom he grew up with, that he would take himself out of a game early, allowing Fairley and other bettors with advance knowledge to wager over $250,000 on Rozier’s player prop unders.
Rozier scored five points, recorded two assists, and hit one 3-pointer before exiting the game early, allowing his prop totals to go under on three of the four categories the group wagered on.
Laster allegedly collected $70,000 in bribe money from Fairley in Philadelphia and then drove to Rozier’s home, where the two defendants counted their payment.
Broader investigation
Rozier’s attorney asked for all charges to be dismissed and requested a modification to Rozier’s bond conditions, arguing the restrictions on contacting NBA teams limit his employment opportunities. Rozier was put on leave following his arrest and was waived by the Heat at the end of the regular season in April.
The alleged gambling scheme is part of an indictment that charged three other individuals, including Shane Hennen, who has also been charged in an illegal poker game case.
